Riyadh
The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced that 250,000 domestic pilgrims will be allowed to perform Umrah in the second phase of the gradual resumption of the pilgrimage.
The second phase of Umrah will begin on October 18, while the third phase, which allows pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, will begin on November 1, local media reported. The mechanism for the quota selection from countries will be announced later.
Worshipers will also be permitted to visit Al Rawdah Al Sharifa and the old mosque area at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Hani Al Omairi, member of the National Committee for Haj and Umrah said.
“More than 600,000 worshipers will be granted permits to perform prayers at the Grand Mosque along with over 250,000 Umrah pilgrims during the second phase of the gradual resumption of Umrah service and visits to the two holy mosques,” he said.
Worshipers need to register through the Eatmarna App to obtain permits to perform Umrah as well as to visit the Grand Mosque and Rawdah Sharif, Al Omairi added.
Foreign pilgrims coming from abroad will be allowed to perform Umrah and visit holy mosques from November 1, which marks the beginning of the third phase of the gradual lifting of the temporary suspension of the service. Buses transporting pilgrims will be allowed to operate at no more than 40 per cent capacity. Only two Umrah pilgrims will be allowed to stay in a single room in compliance with the coronavirus-related precautionary measures.
The Grand Mosque is also sterilized 10 times every day and Zamzam water is being distributed in packaged bottles. Zamzam water comes from a well located around 20 meters away from the Kaaba. Medical teams are stationed in several areas around the courtyard and an isolation and medical check-up room has been designated in case of a suspected coronavirus case.—AP
