Hawzah News Agency - Mosques were reopened in Tajikistan after a 10-month break. The first afternoon collective prayers were performed on February 1, Asia-Plus reported.

The main mufti of the country, Saidmukarram Abdukodirzoda, talked about coronavirus infection and importance of respect of COVID-19 precautionary measures.

The Tajik authorities earlier threatened to close mosques again in case COVID-19 precationary measures are not observed.

"We are glad that all protocols and measures were observed," press secretary of the Committee for Religious Affairs, Rites and Customs Afshin Mukim said.

"All believers were in masks, most of them came with their own prayer mats and few were seen near Wudhu bathroom. Believers were asked to perform ritual washing at home and they followed this advice," the press secretary said.