Saudi inspection monitors at the Al-Shumaisi government office, one of the largest checkpoints en route to Makkah, have upped precautionary measures, vetting all vehicles inbound from Jeddah and Medinah.
Security men and supportive personnel were deployed on all routes leading to Al-Shumaisi’s entrance gate. Cadres from the Ministry of Health were also present to screen visitors, especially those coming from outside Saudi Arabia, for the new Coronavirus (COVID-19).
According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, a number of foreign Umrah goers were sent back to Jeddah despite them having arrived in Saudi Arabia prior to the issuance of orders regarding the precautionary measures.
Traffic remained smooth as a result of the efficiency of screeners and inspectors who preformed their jobs.
Al Masjid an Nabawi in Medinah is witnessing calm after the implementation of restrictions taken to prevent the outbreak of the coronavirus. These measures included suspending visitation.
Al Masjid an Nabawi official Jomaan al-Asiri told Asharq Al-Awsat that many measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of visitors. Large crowds are now banned from forming and the distance between visitor ranks has been expanded.
The new rules also include the closure of the mosque between the evening Isha prayers and Fajr prayers, and a ban on food entering the complex.
