The sixth day of the week in many religious traditions, and the fifth day of the week in systems using the ISO 8601 norm; the Biblical sixth day of a week, the day before the Sabbath, or "day of preparation" in preparation for the Sabbath; the Islamic sabbath; it follows Thursday and precedes Saturday.
Iran's Health Ministry announced the cancellation of Friday prayers in areas affected by the outbreak and shrines were later closed, while Saudi Arabia banned the entry of foreign pilgrims as well as its residents to holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
Early measures announced by the government included the cancellation of concerts and other cultural events, sporting events, and Friday prayers, and closures of universities, higher education institutions, and schools.