Combo photo shows a mosque in Sharjah.

UAE authorities have temporarily closed mosques and amended the 'adhan' or the Muslim call to prayer, to include the words "pray in your homes", as the country comes together to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The announcement was made on Monday that the five daily prayers usually held at mosques have been cancelled.

 Several social media videos showed that the 'adhan' was now instructing worshippers not to come to mosques for congregational prayers, asking the faithful to pray in their houses.

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The changes were in effect until further notice, the Ministry said.

The muezzin, or person who calls for the Muslim prayer, would continue to make the call, authorities said.