Here are some of the measures that would be put in place:

• Setting up thermal cameras at all entrances of the mosque
• Designing separate entry and exit points for visitors
• Preventing individuals recording a high temperature from entering the mosque and referring them to specialists from the health ministry.
• Enforcing social distancing measures at all times to prevent crowding
• Making face masks mandatory for all visitors.

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After more than 100 days of suspending Umrah, Saudi officials are currently developing a plan to partially resume the year-round minor pilgrimage.

The news, shared by Al-Arabiya, said Saudi Arabia’s Agency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque in Makkah is currently developing a crowd control plan as it prepares for the partial opening of the Grand Mosque.

The plan is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to return to normal life while curbing the coronavirus outbreak.

? Read Also: “I have to Find Makkah of My Heart”: Muslims Still Grieving over Hajj Disruption

According to reports by local media, the Grand Mosque and its courtyards will operate at 40 percent capacity.

In addition, visitors will obtain a permit before arriving at the Grand Mosque through the Tawakkalna app so authorities can limit the number of people entering the mosque.

The new measures include:

1. Setting up thermal cameras at all entrances of the mosque
2. Designing separate entry and exit points for visitors
3. Preventing individuals recording a high temperature from entering the mosque and referring them to specialists from the health ministry.
4. Enforcing social distancing measures at all times to prevent crowding
5. Face masks will be mandatory for all visitors.
6. Allocate the ground, first, and second floor of the holy mosque for those performing tawaf. Elderly people and people with special needs will use the second floor.
7. The central Haram area, closest to the Ka`bah, may be closed for visitors especially on Fridays

Curbing COVID-19

Saudi Arabia Allows Around 1,000 Residents for 2020 Hajj

On Tuesday morning, Saudi Arabia reported a total of 186,436 COVID-19 cases, with 1,599 deaths.

Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia has taken drastic measures to halt its spread.

Measures included the closure of the Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, suspension of Umrah and enforcement of a lockdown.

Last month, worshippers returned to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and 90,000 mosques across Saudi Arabia after 70 days of shutdown.

A week ago, Saudi Arabia announced the conditions for observing Hajj this season, allowing around 1,000 domestic pilgrims.