The Presidency said in a statement that it was decided to re-impose the physical distancing measures among the Umrah pilgrims and worshipers as well as in spreading prayer rugs and while performing tawaf (circumambulation around the Holy Kaaba) in order to safeguard the health and safety of the pilgrims.

All visitors and workers at the Two Holy Mosques have been asked to comply with the precautionary measures, by wearing masks and maintaining physical distance, in addition to adhering to the timing for the entry on the basis of the stipulated time mentioned in the Umrah and prayer permits issued by Eatmarna and Tawakkalna applications, and complying with the instructions issued by the authorities at the Two Holy Mosques.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday also announced the re-imposition of wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing measures in all indoors and outdoors places effective from Thursday, in a new move to stop the spread of the mutated Omicron variant of coronavirus.

The latest measures come after Saudi government had lifted physical distancing measures in the Two Holy Mosques earlier in October after the Covid-19 cases had fallen considerably.