Muslims prevented from visiting Mecca have now returned after Saudi Arabia eased coronavirus restrictions. Thousands of people, dressed in white terrycloth garments symbolic of the Muslim pilgrimage, gathered Sunday.
Saudi Arabia barred international travel to the site in March as a result of the worldwide virus. Thousands of pilgrims canceled travel. The Umrah pilgrimage, which can be done at any time of the year, used to draw millions to the holy site each day.
Saudi officials announced an easing of restrictions late last week. It said it would allow 6,000 people inside the Grand Mosque at Mecca each day. During the first phase of the reopening, only Saudi citizens and residents of the kingdom will be allowed. Each person will also be given three hours only to complete their pilgrimage.
Health officials said they would sterilize the Grand Mosque several times a day. Visitors to the Kaaba will be required to make online reservations to avoid crowding and for the enforcement of social distancing within the holy site. Saudi officials have an app. Pilgrims can use the app to book transport and meeting points.
On Sunday, state-owned television showed film of the opening - showing fewer than 50 people circling the Kaaba. Each person was told to walk several meters apart. Before COVID, the site would have been packed with pilgrims shoulder-to-shoulder.
In a second phase of opening starting Oct. 18 between 15,000 and 40,000 residents and Saudi citizens will be allowed to enter the Grand Mosque. From Nov. 1 visiting pilgrims will be allowed.
Saudi Arabia has recorded nearly 336,000 virus infections and 4,850 deaths.
