Saudi Arabia boosts pandemic measures at Makkah’s Grand Mosque

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday re-imposed social distancing measures at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, after recording the highest number of infections in months.

Workers have returned floor markings removed on October 17 to guide people to social distance in and around the Grand Mosque, which is built around the Kaaba.

The Saudi authorities said they will re-impose “social distancing requirements between worshippers and pilgrims” at the Grand Mosque, without specifying whether a capacity has been set.

Earlier, the kingdom had said social distancing and masks were again required in both indoor and outdoor venues.

The kingdom of approximately 34 million people has so far recorded more than 554,000 coronavirus cases, including 8,874 deaths, the highest number of fatalities among the Gulf Arab countries.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia recorded 744 cases, the highest number since the middle of August.

The Covid-19 pandemic hugely disrupted Muslim pilgrimages, which are usually key revenue earners for the kingdom, bringing in some $12 billion annually.

The six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, have been recording their highest numbers of new cases in months.

Despite having the world’s highest vaccination rate, the UAE has recorded the largest number of infections among the Gulf countries at more than 757,000. On Wednesday, it recorded 2,234 infections, the highest number since June.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed sought to reassure the people that “the UAE health sector is fully geared and prepared to address any challenges,” according to the official WAM news agency.

The UAE is gearing up to host the New Year’s eve celebrations, including at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, in Dubai.

Dubai, which is heavily dependent on tourism, was one of the world’s first destinations to welcome back visitors after July 2020.

It is also counting on the six-month Expo 2020 trade fair to boost its economy.

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