Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — All possible steps have been put in place to ensure safety of pilgrims, worshipers and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in the wake of the outbreak of Coronavirus in several countries.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, under the direct supervision of its chief Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, has geared up to meet the challenges posed by the deadly virus, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said Monday.

Deputy President for Technical and Services Affairs at the presidency, Muhammad Bin Muslih Al-Jabri, said precautionary measures include spraying floors, surfaces and carpets to sterilize them; placing hand sanitizers at the entrances to the Grand Mosque, prayer areas, following up the condition of carpets and sanitizing them by enhancing the sterilization line at the carpets laundry, ramping up the tempo for changing carpets at the Grand Mosque and increasing the number of main washing of carpets to six.

The measures also include providing facilities for emergency washing of carpets, increasing the number of times for cleaning restrooms to six main washings, sanitizing the basins for Zamzam water, changing the bases for Zamzam water coolers and a prompt replacement of used plastic tumblers.

Other measures include closing the returning ventilation air estimated at 25 percent in the Second Saudi Expansion, to bring the total air allotted for cooling to 100 percent.

Sheikh Al-Sudais has stressed the importance of intensifying efforts and coordinating with the competent authorities to ensure the safety of the visitors and worshipers at the Two Holy Mosques.