Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — All those who are inoculated against coronavirus or those who have recovered from the disease can only perform Umrah and pray in the Grand Mosque, Okaz, Saudi Gazette’s sister publication, has learned from sources at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The ministry said it will continue to follow the same procedures it adopted during the holy month of Ramadan and will no longer allow all those who are not infected with the virus.

According to the ministry, those who have passed 14 days after taking the first dose of a vaccine approved in the Kingdom are also allowed to perform Umrah and pray in the Grand Mosque.

This means that only those who have received either one dose or two doses of a vaccine approved in the Kingdom and those who have recovered from the deadly disease will be able to apply and receive permits for Umrah and prayers in the Grand Mosque.

The new measures were unveiled and implemented at the beginning of Ramadan, allowing coronavirus immune Muslims to get Umrah and prayer permits through Eatmarna and Tawakkalna applications.

Currently, an individual can get a Umrah permit through applications once a month but the ministry said the rule may be later modified, allowing the beneficiary to get another permit after 15 days.