Saudi arabia reopens holy sites after disinfection

Saudi Arabia has reopened the holy sites in Mecca and Medina after a thorough disinfection and cleaning process to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Grand Mosque in Mecca, which is the holiest site in Islam, was reopened on May 31 after a two-month closure. The mosque was thoroughly disinfected and cleaned, and a limited number of worshippers were allowed to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage to the mosque.

The Prophet's Mosque in Medina, which is the second holiest site in Islam, was also reopened on June 1 after a similar closure. The mosque was disinfected and cleaned, and a limited number of worshippers were allowed to perform prayers and visit the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad.

The reopening of the holy sites is a significant development in the fight against COVID-19, as millions of Muslims from around the world visit these sites every year. The Saudi government has taken several measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including:

1. Limiting the number of worshippers: The government has limited the number of worshippers allowed to enter the mosques to prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of transmission.
2. Social distancing: The government has implemented social distancing measures, including the placement of markers on the floor to ensure that worshippers maintain a safe distance from each other.
3. Wearing masks: The government has made it mandatory for worshippers to wear masks while inside the mosques.
4. Temperature checks: The government has set up temperature checkpoints at the entrances of the mosques to screen worshippers for fever.
5. Disinfection: The government has increased the frequency of disinfection and cleaning of the mosques, including the use of ultraviolet light technology to kill the virus.

The reopening of the holy sites is a significant step towards normalizing life in Saudi Arabia, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has also announced plans to reopen other tourist attractions and cultural institutions in the coming weeks.

It's worth noting that the reopening of the holy sites is subject to certain conditions, including the continued spread of the virus and the ability of the government to maintain the necessary health and safety measures.