6 COVID Cases Confirmed At The Orland Park Mosque, 3 Hospitalized

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Prayer Center Of Orland Park has confirmed COVID-19 has caused them to temporarily close their doors. The mosque will be closed until Aug. 21, according to Imam and director, Kifah Mustapha.

Six confirmed cases of COVID-19 and three hospitalizations led to the decision. According to Imam Mustapha, only nine staff members will be allowed in the building until the quarantine period is over. Doctors were consulted about the decision, and all staff members are being tested for the virus, he said.

All daytime prayers, including Friday prayers, will be canceled. Prayers will be streamed on Facebook Live for those who want to watch.

Prior to COVID-19 spreading to regular attendees of the prayer center, Phase three of the restore Illinois plan allowed congregation of 100 people or fewer in the mosque for prayer. Each member was required to wear a mask, bring their own prayer rug and maintain distance from other members. Congregating and socializing was not allowed after prayer.

Imam Mustapha said the recent cases come after many in the community let their guard down.

"People are going back to normal lives and mixing with no precautions," he said. "They're attending weddings, parties and events without thinking they can still get the virus."

This is not the first time a house of worship has been forced to shut down amid the pandemic. In April, 43 coronavirus cases were confirmed at a Glenview Church, as previous reported by Patch.

For more information, visit the Prayer Center of Orland Park's website.