The Haj security commanders on Saturday discussed measures to prevent contagious diseases in the ensuing Haj and Umrah seasons. At a meeting here chaired by Maj. Gen. Nasser Bin Saud Al-Arfaj, Deputy Director of Public Security and Commander of the Haj Security Forces, the Haj commanders reviewed the decisions of the Council of Ministers to curb the spread of swine flu. The meeting also discussed methods to prevent the entry of small cars in the holy sites. The prevention is vital in tackling the entry of illegal pilgrims. The mechanism for continuing the ban on squatting according to the previously approved measures also was part of the discussions. Al-Arfaj said the periodic meetings are meant to assess the performance and support the efforts being exerted so that they are in conformity with the comprehensive strategy aimed at providing more ideal services to the pilgrims and making early preparations for the Haj season. He referred to the integrated, effective and important role by the agencies participating in serving the pilgrims and Umrah performers and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque. The security commanders discussed the summary of workshops to prepare for the upcoming Haj season. This included the workshops related to the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and effective ways to deal with the expected millions of pilgrims. They discussed the preparation of alternative plans and controlling the flow of pilgrims to the Grand Mosque, guiding the pilgrims and managing the crowding at peak hours. The meeting reviewed important recommendations on traffic flow, impounding of cars, methods of preventing violating vehicles from entry into the holy sites and to continue preventing squatting according to the approved system, organizing traffic flow on the roads, distribution of stalls and creating awareness and guidance so as to prevent obstruction of traffic flow. The meeting also discussed the administrative and developmental aspects pertaining to Public Security and Haj security forces.
