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Saudi government reopens Masjid-e-Nabvi for public today

Saudi government reopens Masjid-e-Nabvi for public today
May 31, 2020
RIYADH (92 News) – The Saudi government has reopened Masjid-e-Nabvi for public on Sunday. The faithfuls offered Fajr prayer in the mosque with strict compliance of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Strict precautionary measures including limiting the congregation to 40 percent of the mosque’s capacity at a time are being observed. The mosques in other cities of Saudi Arabia have also been opened for offering prayers. Earlier, Saudi Arabia will begin easing restrictions on movement and travel this week, more than two months after stringent measures were introduced to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Restrictions will be lifted in three phases, culminating in the curfew completely ending – with the exception of the holy city of Makkah — from June 21, the state news agency reported in a statement early. The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimmages — which attract millions of travelers from around the world — will remain suspended until further notice. The kingdom has so far recorded 74,795 cases of COVID-19 with 399 deaths. More than 2,000 cases are still being reported daily. The first phase, starting on Thursday, will see the 24-hour curfew reduced to between 3 p.m.-6 a.m. countrywide. Free movement between regions and some retail and wholesale activities, including malls, will be allowed to resume. Saudi Arabia had imposed 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities but eased them for the start of the fasting month of Ramadan. The 24-hour curfew was reimposed during the five-day Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday, which began on Sunday. From Sunday May 30, free movement will be allowed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saudi Press Agency reported. Domestic flights will be allowed to resume, but a ban on international flights will stay.