Saudi reverses measures, reopens area around Kaaba

The Kingdom of Saudi has reversed one of the measures it has put in place to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The authority on Saturday March 7th, 2020 reopened Mataf, an area around the Kaaba in the Grand mosque of Mecca where people circle round the Kaaba.

Mataf has been reopened to the non-Ummrah performers. This was confirmed in a statement.

“King Salman has allowed for the opening of Mataf for non-Ummrah performers which would start at dawn on Saturday,” the reads.

Earlier this week, Saudi suspended umrah pilgrimage in order to prevent worshippers who usually cram the kaaba circling around it seven times from contracting the virus.

The suspension of the umrah has left thousands of Muslims in a state of doubt as to whether this year’s hajj scheduled for July would take place.

However, commercial trucks would be allowed to operate.

“Only commercial trucks will be allowed to cross by land,” a Saudi official said.

Similarly, as a response to the call across the Gulf to suspend and cancel public mass gathering, the ministry of sports also on Saturday announced its readiness to suspend “public attendance at all sports events across the kingdom,” in order to contain the outbreak.