The Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca which was suspended in March, finally welcomed pilgrims once again on October 4 with strict COVID-19 safety measures in place. By Kumar Shree
As Saudi Arabia authorities partially resumed the year-round Umrah pilgrimage, many devotees were seen circling the Islam’s holiest site on Sunday, October 4, on designated paths, marked in order to maintain social distancing. Not just that, all the pilgrims were seen wearing masks at all times, and extensive healthcare precautions were in place at the revered pilgrimage destination.
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Thousands entered the Grand Mosque in batches and performed their rituals, involving, taking circles around the sacred Kaaba, which is a cubic structure worshipped by the followers of Islam all over the world.
The pilgrimage will be completely revived in three phases, in which 6,000 pilgrims will be allowed each day during the first phase. However, the Black Stone in the eastern corner of the Kaaba will be out of reach this year. While it is customary to touch the stone during the pilgrimage, but it’s not mandatory. The Grand Mosque will also be deeply sterilised after the completion of the pilgrimage by each and every group comprising of 20 to 25 pilgrims along with a healthcare worker. Moreover, a medical team will also be present on the ground, in case of any kind of emergency.
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The second stage of the pilgrimage will kickstart from October 18, in which 15,000 pilgrims will be allowed per day. However, the maximum number of people including officials and workers will be limited to 40,000.
And lastly, the third stage will witness the entry of international visitors from November 1, and this time the limit will be raised to 20,000 per day. Whereas, the maximum limit including officials and workers will be restricted to 60,000.
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