Mosques in Bristol aren't planning on reopening until July - despite the government allowing places of worship to reopen from next week.
Next Monday, June 15, will see the biggest easing yet of the lockdown law in England and, as part of these measures, places of worship will be allowed to open for individual prayer.
The Council of Bristol Mosques has said its members - which include the Easton Jamia Masjid in St Marks Road, Easton, and the Bristol Jamia Mosque in Totterdown - are preparing to open on July 4, rather than next week.
Abdul Malik, chair of the Easton Jamia Mosque, said they were not going to follow the government guidelines as for Muslims the main reason for praying in the mosque is to gain the benefit of congregational prayer.
He added: "We do not want to put our congregation at any risk.
"We are hoping that July 4 is a better date where we can start to partially reopen with limited numbers and social distancing measures in places.
"It could be that even date is delayed because we do not have everything in place.
"There is no rush to reopen and feel that keeping the public safe is our number one priority."
Mr Malik said this was a coordinated effort by the mosques in Bristol, adding they were following guidance from the Muslim Council of Britain.
He added numbers will be very limited when they reopen, adding they were looking at reopening at 20 per cent capacity.
"I know there is a desperate need for people to come and pray when they are suffering - it is a natural thing to do," he added. "But at the same time people have to understand that we have to look after each other.
"I hope places do not rush into reopening."
The chairman said, when they do reopen, several measures will be introduced including people having their temperature checked before entering.
People will also be asked to disinfect their hands and wear a face mask to be allowed entry, as well as bringing their own prayer mat.
They will also be asked to make their ablutions at home and to bring a clean reusable bag to put shoes in.
These measures will be introduced in all the mosques across Bristol.
