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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Worshippers returned to mosques to perform the first Friday prayer in Melbourne, Australia after the world’s "most locked-down city" lifted its latest round of restrictions last week. Hundreds of Muslims who came to the Thomastown Mosque in Melbourne and had a double dose of the COVID-19 vaccine performed the Friday prayer inside while those who did not have their vaccinations performed prayer outside. Mosque imam Recep Akakus told Anadolu Agency Video News (AAVN) that they were happy to hold the first Friday after three months. “We really enjoyed today’s prayer. What we wish from Allah is that our mosques will not be deprived of the congregation again,” added Akakus. Emphasizing the importance of starting the Friday prayer, even by maintaining social distance, Thomastown Turkish-Islamic Society Vice President Muhittin Yoldas said “I swear we missed the mosque. After all, a person realizes the value of something he misses when he loses it. Thank God. I hope this disease (coronavirus) goes away soon.” Melbourne remained under restrictions for 262 days, or nearly nine months, during six separate lockdowns since March 2020. The curfew, which was in place since early August, has come to an end and the fully vaccinated can now flock to the city’s pubs, restaurants, and hair salons. The state also removed quarantine requirements for international arrivals from Nov. 1. Fully vaccinated international travelers will now be able to enter Victoria without spending 14 days in hotel quarantine. Overall, more than 70% of Australians are fully vaccinated. It has confirmed 28,655 COVID-19 cases, including related 1,611 deaths. In Australia, 177.411 people have been infected with the virus so far, and 1796 people have died. (Footage by Recep Sakar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)