(ANSA) - ROME, OCTOBER 18 - Saudi citizens and immigrants have been allowed to pray inside the Great Mosque of Mecca for the first time in seven months as part of the gradual return plan based on severe measures adopted against the spread of the coronavirus.
The faithful performed 'Fajr' (dawn) prayers in the mosque observing strict anti-virus precautions, including keeping their distance and using their own prayer rugs, reports the Gulf News newspaper.
About 40,000 believers and 15,000 pilgrims from the 'Umra' (small pilgrimage) are admitted to the mosque every day in the second phase of the re-entry plan that came into effect today.
The first phase began on 4 October with a limited number of pilgrims, but only from within the kingdom.
The faithful must register through the 'Etmarna' app to obtain permits for the small pilgrimage and to visit the Great Mosque and the Mosque of the Prophet (the second holiest in Islam) in Medina.
While Muslims abroad will be allowed to go to Saudi Arabia for the small pilgrimage starting November 1st.
(HANDLE).