Mosques in Makkah to reopen with coronavirus safety measures

Dubai - Thousands of mosques had been reopened after sterilisation by May-end, except in Makkah.

Saudi Arabia is set to reopen mosques in the holy city of Makkah with strict coronavirus safety measures, according to local reports.
Mosques in Makkah are preparing to reopen their doors to worshippers on June 21 - three months after a spike in Covid-19 cases forced the government to impose a curfew in the holy city, state television channel Al Ekhbariya reported on Friday.
More than 1,500 mosques will be allowed to reopen in the city, only after complying with preventative safety measures, the report added.
Individuals will have to bring their own prayer mats and maintain social distancing during prayers.
Ahead of the reopening, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs hired agencies to sterilise the mosques. Volunteers will ensure implementation of precautionary measures inside Makkah's mosques.
Mosques across the Kingdom had been allowed to welcome worshippers since the end of May.
The Kingdom has reported 150,292 cases of Covid-19 - with 4,301 cases confirmed on Friday.

• Saudi Arabia