Iran faithful use drive in mosque during outbreak

The COVID-19 pandemic has made many aspects of life different for a lot of people the world over from before the outbreak, when physical distancing was not the norm.

In the holy month of Ramadan, observing social distancing at a time when gatherings are expected has become challenging for Iranians.

One of the solutions that the faithful have come up with in Iran is a counterpart of Western-style drive-in theaters: a drive-in mosque.

The nightly drive-in religious ceremony is a response to the demand for Ramadan nights' prayers from the believers amid the closure of mosques and holy sites due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

It takes place at the compound of Eram Park, a large theme park west of Tehran.

Traditionally mosques host the faithful in the holy month of practicing devotions and getting closer to God but this year they have had to be more creative.

Mosques, holy sites and shrines of Shiite saints have been closed down since mid-March at the order of government, a decision backed by the establishment but criticized and ignored by many hardliners at first.

The nightly ceremony begins following Iftar, a meal eaten by the faithful to break their fast at sunset.

Cars pull in toward the designated spot where a large screen is installed. Event planners wearing face masks direct drivers to the right spot and caution them not to leave their vehicles until the end of the ceremony.

More than 6,300 people with COVID-19 have lost their lives until May 5 and more than 99,900 Iranians have been infected since the beginning of outbreak, according to Iranian health ministry figures.

Iran is battling the most severe coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

But for others, especially older adults and people with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia and lead to death.