RIYADH — The concerned authorities have directed the Umrah companies that they are obligated to allocate 10% of hotel rooms, in housing foreign pilgrims, for isolation. According to Al Arabiya TV, the directive states that the number of people should not exceed two people in each room, to ensure safety procedures for pilgrims from the coronavirus. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also stressed not to exceed 50% of the capacity of the buses that will transport pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah, with conditions of commitment to implement precautionary measures. The instructions came in order to implement safety measures for pilgrims to secure them from the coronavirus. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that it has started receiving Umrah pilgrims requests from abroad as of Aug. 9. The ministry said it will gradually increase the capacity to reach 2 million pilgrims per month, which includes pilgrims from inside and outside the Kingdom. The issuance of Umrah permits will be through the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna applications, amid an integrated system of services and preventive measures, taken by Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety and health of those wishing to perform the rituals of Umrah and Ziyarah.
