Updated COVID-19 SOPs of Saudi's two holy mosques announced

KUALA LUMPUR: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque is expecting a significant increase in the number of visitors to the two Holy Mosques in conjunction with the arrival of the month of Rajab (on Thursday), and the high number of visitors at the two mosques is expected to continue until the end of Ramadan.

Therefore, the department reminds the public to adhere to the COVID-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) that has been set.

Through an infographic shared on its official Twitter page, the department listed the current SOPs of the two mosques as of February 3, 2022, including the mandatory rules on having 'immune' status on the Tawakkalna application and a valid permit to enter the mosques.

Individuals aged 12 and above are allowed to visit the Two Holy Mosques. "Children under the age of 12 from Saudi Arabia and around the world, whether immune or not, are currently not allowed to enter the Two Holy Mosques or its areas," the department said.

Umrah is only allowed once every 10 days following the reinstatement of of precautionary measures by the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia to limit the capacity and ensure there's no congestion, notably during pilgrimages to Raudhah and the Tomb of the Prophet.

Face masks and social distancing are compulsory, and visitors must adhere to the time allotted in their respective permits.

"Arriving and leaving the Two Holy Mosques according to the time specified in the permit is very important. The Two Holy Mosques are closed an hour after Isyak prayers and reopened an hour before Subuh prayers," said the department.

"Entry to Mataaf is only allowed for Umrah pilgrims who carry a valid Umrah Permit and for the purpose of tawaf only," the department added.

"Currently, there are restrictions on touching the Kaaba, the Black Stone and prayers inside the Hateem as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19," the department added.

As of 12 noon today, Saudi Arabia recorded 3,555 new positive cases and three deaths, with the cumulative number of deaths rising to 8,950 cases.

-- BERNAMA