Saudi Arabia Ready to Host Umrah Pilgrims in Ramadan
Abdul Fattah Mashat, a deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, said the country is ready to welcome the pilgrims, al-Masry al-Youm reported.
He noted that the health protocols have been formulated and all workers at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The health protocols will be strictly observed at the Grand Mosque and in the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabi) in Medina, he stressed.
The Grand Mosque will be cleaned and disinfected 10 times a day, using 60,000 liters of water and disinfectants.
The Hajj and Umrah Ministry last week issued a circular that requires sectors operating in Hajj and Umrah-related services to vaccinate their entire staff before Ramadan starts.
Workers not vaccinated must provide proof of a negative PCR test result, renewed every seven days at the facility’s expense.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing said that it will intensify inspection tours during Ramadan at gathering places to ensure social distancing.
Authorities have shut down 11 mosques in six regions around the Kingdom after 11 cases of COVID-19 were reported among worshippers.
