Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on April 2nd, 2020
Updated: 2 April 2020 | Ibadat.pk | Umrah Desk: Saudi Arabia imposed a 24-hour curfew in Mecca and Medina on Thursday [2 April 2020], the interior ministry said, extending measures taken to combat the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 1,700 people and killed 16 in the country.
Just when it was thought that Saudi Authorities were trying to bring back some normalcy by easing selected lock down restrictions in the two Holy Cities like reopening of Mataaf for a limited number of people, Saudi authorities tightened curfew in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Official News Account of Makkah region (Emirate of Makkah) reported this development on twitter.
The curfew had previously been from 1500 (3 pm) to 0600 (6 am). Residents in both cities may leave their homes only for necessary reasons such as buying food and for medical care only between the hours of 6 a.m. till 3 p.m. However, Residents going out must remain within their residential area.
The official said curfew exemptions still apply to those in vital public and private sectors such as security, military and media. Those who work in health services are also excluded from the curfew.
Fallout from the highly infections coronavirus is showing no signs of easing as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases reported around the world is approaching a million.
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on April 1st, 2020
Updated: 1 April 2020 | Ibadat.pk | Umrah Desk: As the global fallout due to the disastrous coronavirus pandemic does not show any signs of easing, some parts of the world try and stagger back to normalcy by reducing the restrictions of lockdown. Following the royal order by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Mataf (open white area immediately around the Ka’bah where tawaf takes place) has been opened as of yesterday (Tuesday, 31 March). However, this will only be limited to Groups of 50 that will be allowed on to the Mataf to make just 1 Complete Tawaaf. Entrance will be restricted to Bab-e-Fahad (the King Fahad door).
Closing of Mataaf, completely disallowing Umrah for any one (locals and international Zaireen), imposing curfew, suspension of prayers at All Mosques (Except Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and Masjid Nabvi in Madinah), were all part of the many swift measures taken by the Saudi Government curb the spread of the virus by to adhering to the guidelines of social distancing. Due to this spread of the virus in Saudi has been well controlled (To date: 1,536 confirmed cases, 10 fatal cases).
According to sources in Saudi Arabia, provided below are the current restrictions in place for any one (only current residents allowed) planning to visit Masjid Al Haram (Makkah) and Masjid Al Nabwi (Madinah)
Masjid Al Nabawi will remain closed for all worshippers and visitors until further notice. – Prayers will continue to be led with small congregation behind closed doors.