Ramadan plans announced for Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia

Strict Covid-19 precautionary measures have been put in place for the month of Ramadan at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the General Presidency of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque stressed that social distancing and wearing of masks will be mandatory for visitors, with thermal cameras monitoring the area.

He also urged those visiting to get themselves vaccinated. An inoculation campaign has already been held for all workers at the Grand Mosque.

Under the plan, the Mataf (the area around the Kaaba) will be used for circumambulation only, with the three paths closest to the Kaaba allocated for the elderly and people with disabilities.

The Grand Mosque will also be cleaned and sterilised up to 10 times a day. Approximately 5,000 workers will carry out sterilisation and disinfection operations around the clock, including the sterilisation of the carpets after every prayer.

While Zamzam water coolers will not be available, up to 200,000 bottles of Zamzam water will be provided on a daily basis.

Iftar meals will be provided for those who wish to break their fast at the Grand Mosque or at the Prophet’s Mosque. However, visitors will only be permitted to bring water and dates for personal consumption.

No sharing or distribution of food and water will be allowed.

Up 13 million worshippers have visited the mosques since October, when Saudi resumed the Umrah pilgrimage following a seven-month suspension. All visitors have been required to register through an app to ensure entry.

Saudi Arabia reported 531 new Covid-19 cases and seven deaths on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 388,325 and the death toll to 6,650.