[ad_1]
Saudi Arabia plans to reopen the 2 holiest websites in Islam to pilgrims in October, seven months after it suspended visits to forestall the unfold of the coronavirus, because it makes an attempt to revive its floundering economic system.
The kingdom curtailed visits to the primary mosques in Mecca and Medina in March after spiritual gatherings emerged as main spreaders of the virus in the Middle East and different elements of the world. It additionally locked down elements of its economic system however eased most restrictions in June.
Under new rules, native and overseas residents of Saudi Arabia will probably be permitted to enter the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina for the year-round umrah pilgrimage beginning Oct. 4, the inside ministry mentioned late Tuesday.
The capability of each mosques will initially be restricted to 30% and regularly elevated to 100% on Nov. 1, when pilgrims from exterior the dominion can even be allowed. Entry to the websites will probably be managed through a cell app, and worshipers will probably be required to put on face masks and observe social distancing.
Restoring spiritual tourism, a serious income for the Saudi authorities, in a phased method follows an almost three-month decline in reported infections that prompted authorities final week to start eradicating curbs on worldwide journey.
[ad_2]
Source hyperlink