Al-Shumaisi Checkpoint Implements Umrah Ban Decision amid Virus Concerns

Al Masjid an Nabawi, Medinah, Saudi Arabia
Al Masjid an Nabawi, Medinah, Saudi Arabia
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Al-Shumaisi Checkpoint Implements Umrah Ban Decision amid Virus Concerns

Al Masjid an Nabawi, Medinah, Saudi Arabia
Al Masjid an Nabawi, Medinah, Saudi Arabia

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.



Saudi Crown Prince Underscores Continued Efforts to Serve Hajj Pilgrims

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivers his speech before the well-wishers in Mina on Friday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivers his speech before the well-wishers in Mina on Friday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Underscores Continued Efforts to Serve Hajj Pilgrims

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivers his speech before the well-wishers in Mina on Friday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivers his speech before the well-wishers in Mina on Friday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, hailed on Friday the Kingdom’s ongoing success in serving Hajj pilgrims.

He stressed that the success is a result of collective efforts by state authorities, underlining that they will continue to ensure the pilgrims’ comfort.

He made his remarks as welcomed - on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz – commander of the armed forces, well-wishers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti and other senior scholars, guests from the Gulf Cooperation Council, ministers and heads of military units.

Crown Prince Mohammed congratulated the gatherers, citizens, residents and Hajj pilgrims on the advent of Eid al-Adha.

He praised various government sector workers on ensuring the success of the Hajj, which has allowed them to perform the sacred rituals safely and at ease.

He asked God Almighty to continue to protect Saudi Arabia and grant it continued success in organizing the Hajj.