Is it permissible to pray in the mosque behind the Imam, yet far from the rows of worshippers, for fear of contagion due to their non-compliance with wearing masks?

Praying individually behind the row is disliked by the majority of scholars if there is no valid excuse. This dislike is removed if an excuse is present. One can pray with them in the row while maintaining distance. If this is not possible, then there is no harm in praying individually behind the row, and the fear of contagion is considered an excuse that removes the dislike. The distancing of worshippers in a row has been permitted for protection against contagion, and the fear of contagion is an excuse for missing congregational prayers.