Manila Bulletin
Saudi empties Islam's holiest site for 'sterilisation'
Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the 'umrah' pilgrimage for its citizens and residents due to fears of the new coronavirus spreading to Islam's holiest cities.
This unprecedented move includes emptying the Grand Mosque in Mecca of worshippers for sterilization and barring individuals from visiting the Prophet's mosque in Medina.
The Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque will be closed an hour after evening prayers and reopen an hour before dawn prayers to allow for cleaning and sterilization.
The suspension comes after Saudi Arabia confirmed its fifth coronavirus case, with three new cases declared on Thursday.
The umrah pilgrimage attracts millions of Muslims annually and is a significant revenue source for Saudi Arabia, especially with the holy fasting month of Ramadan approaching.
The decision raises uncertainty for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, scheduled for late July.
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