Saudi Arabia reopens Holy Kaaba after coronavirus sterilisation
Saudi Arabia reopened the Mataf (the area around the Holy Kaaba) on Saturday morning for non-Umrah pilgrims.
It had shut down the area for sterilization after fears increased of the coronavirus.
Saudi authorities have urged people to follow precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus and cooperate with workers at the Grand Mosque, according to a statement issued by the Saudi Press Agency.
According to Gulf News, Saudi Arabia had closed sites in Makkah and Madinah to foreign pilgrims and traditional tourists for nearly 25 countries to help control the spread of the virus. It also reported that citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries wishing to enter should wait 14 days after coming back from outside the region.
Read More: Saudi evacuates Khana Kaaba for sterilisation amid coronavirus fears
The Kingdom has reported up to five coronavirus cases as of yet. It is unknown, however, when the holy sites will be open for pilgrims.
