Mecca to reopen for limited pilgrimages after 7-month pause

Saudi Arabia will reopen holy places for the year-round Umrah pilgrimage tomorrow, with extensive health precautions, seven months after coronavirus prompted its suspension. The umrah will be revived in three stages, with the initial phase seeing just 6,000 citizens and residents already allowed to take part each day.

Hajj Minister Mohammad Benten said last week that pilgrims will be divided into groups to ensure social distancing within the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Worshippers will on Sunday circle the sacred Kaaba along socially distanced paths. On October 18, the number of pilgrims will be increased to 15,000 per day, with a maximum of 40,000 people allowed at the mosque.

Visitors from abroad will be permitted from November 1, when capacity will be raised to 20,000 pilgrims, with 60,000 people allowed into the mosque. Those wishing to perform the umrah must apply through two mobile apps: one to register they are free from the virus, and another from which they can obtain a permit.