Up to 1.5 million people visit Makkah’s Grand Mosque during first 10 days of Ramadan

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Nearly 1.5 million people visited the Grand Mosque at Makkah during the first 10 days of Ramadan, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has said.

The worshippers and Umrah performers were subject to strict precautionary measures, including physical distancing, to control the spread of Covid-19, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The presidency has allocated the Mataf (the area around the Kaaba) courtyard for Umrah performers to manage the entry and exit process, and has also created special paths for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Osama Al-Hujaili, director of the General Department for Crowds Management at the Grand Mosque, called on Umrah performers to adhere to the times issued to them through Eatmarna app, wear a mask, and adhere to physical distancing at all times.

Officials had also previously urged all visitors to get themselves vaccinated. An inoculation campaign has already been held for all workers at the Grand Mosque.

As part of the Ramadan plans, officials had said that the Grand Mosque will 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 are not available, up to 200,000 bottles of Zamzam water will be provided on a daily basis.

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

No sharing or distribution of food and water is allowed.

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