Saudi Arabia temporally suspends entry of GCC citizens to Makkah, Madina

RIYADH, Feb 28 (KUNA) -- In attempt to counter the spread of Coronavirus, Saudi Arabia decided on Friday to temporally suspends entry of GCC citizens to the cities of Makkah and Madina.
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release, "it was decided, in light of the exceptional health considerations currently in place in some of the Gulf Cooperation Council for Arab States, the temporarily suspension of entry of the Council's citizens to the cities of Makkah and Madinah." The statement added the "decision excludes GCC's citizens who have been in the Kingdom for 14 consecutive days and did not show signs of Coronavirus infection, and who wish to perform Umrah or visit the Prophet's Mosque can apply through the website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Umrah online course) to obtain a permit during the period of temporary suspension." The foreign ministry explained the decision was based on the "recommendations of the competent health authorities to apply the highest precautionary standards to surround the virus and prevent its spread locally and globally, and to promote existing preventive measures to provide the maximum degree of protection as well as the application of safety standards to preserve the health of visitors of the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque." The Saudi government confirms that it is closely following developments in the spread of the virus and its repercussions on an ongoing basis, and that the precautionary measures are being reviewed according to any new developments, and additional measures shall be taken if the need arises. (end) mdm.mb