Saudi Arabia to Ease COVID-19 Lockdown in Phased Approach

Faizel Patel – 26/05/2020

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia says it will begin a new phase in dealing with COVID-19.

Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reports that while the Kingdom will allow the restarting of domestic flights, opening of masaajid, restaurants and work attendance, the temporary suspension of Umrah remains in place.

According to SPA, all congregational salaah, including Jumu’ah, will resume in all masaajid across the Kingdom except in Makkah.

While the first and second phase allows for conditional movement within the Kingdom, the third phase which commences on 21 June, SPA reports the Kingdom will return to “normal” conditions as it was before the coronavirus lockdown measures were implemented.

With blessed month of Ramadan over, the phased in approach is good news for many Muslims, especially with the Hajj season just around the corner.

While, there is no indication if Hajj will continue this year, the South Africa Hajj & Umrah Council (SAHUC) told Radio Islam last month it is still awaiting official confirmation from the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah in the with regards to whether Hajj 1441H will be proceeding this year or not due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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