Saudi Arabia plans to reopen mosques in the holy city of Mecca as from Sunday after they were closed for three months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, state television reported.
The kingdom has taken restrictive and preventive measures against the virus, particularly in Mecca, although the number of new coronavirus cases has soared in recent days.
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“Based on the decision of the Islamic affairs ministry, the mosques in the holy city will begin to reopen their doors to the faithfuls on Sunday after three months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic,” the state-run Al-Ekhbariya channel reported.
Some 1,500 holy sites are preparing to welcome visitors, the channel also reported, showing footage of workers disinfecting floors and carpets.
The decision comes weeks before the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.
While the Hajj is set to be held in late July, authorities are yet to announce if it will go ahead or be cancelled.
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