KSA announces new Umrah measures

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced fresh measures for the Umrah pilgrimage suspended for six months due to the coronavirus outbreak.

This was announced in statement by the Saudi authorities on Tuesday September 29, 2020.

The statement reads that “As part of the COVID-19 measures, the barricade placed around the Kaaba and the holy Black Stone will remain in its place and visitors will be prevented from touching them.”

It explained that Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba is located, will be disinfected 10 times a day with provisions for quarantine rooms prepared for visitors showing symptoms of COVID-19.

“As of October 4, Saudis and foreign residents of the kingdom will be allowed to perform Umrah at the Masjid al-Haram, or Grand Mosque, in Makkah at a 30% capacity or 6,000 people per day.” the statement adds.

“Meanwhile, as of October 18, the Gulf kingdom will allow 15,000 pilgrims per day to perform Umrah and prayers at Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, or the Prophet’s Mosque, in Madinah.”

The statement said both local and international worshippers coming for Umrah and worship will be accepted as of November 1, while the Masjid al-Haram and Al-Masjid al-Nabawi will be opened for worship at full capacity by taking COVID-19 protective measures.

Saudi Arabia announced last week that it will gradually lift a coronavirus-related travel ban for the Umrah pilgrimage starting early next month.

The decision to allow the resumption of Umrah, or the minor pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims, came after a nearly six-month hiatus.