Makkah authorities set guidelines for upcoming limited capacity Hajj
Authorities in Makkah have set several health and safety guidelines in preparation for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage being held in a limited capacity this year given the coronavirus pandemic, according to Al Arabiya sources.
The guidelines laid out include the implementation of a medical quarantine for all incoming pilgrims ahead of their entry into Makkah’s holy sites.
Authorities will also be preparing a gathering center for pilgrims in Mecca with an area of 6000 square meters.
All pilgrims will be following social distancing measures of keeping two meters between each other throughout their pilgrimage in Makkah.
Pilgrims will also be divided into separate groups not exceeding 20 individuals per group. All groups will be accompanied by a guide throughout their pilgrimage.
Authorities will also be using 40 busses capable of holding 49 passengers but will be limiting capacity to 22 pilgrims at any given journey. Groups using a specific bus will be using the same one throughout the different stages of the upcoming Hajj. Pilgrims will be assigned specific seats on their bus throughout their time in Mecca.
In the tent city of Mina, pilgrims will be allocated their own space consisting of no less than nine meters. The same individual space policy will be enforced in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
A picture taken June 23, 2020 shows pilgrims housing tents located between the holy sites of Arafat and Mina in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Makkah. (AFP)
