Social distancing at Mecca’s Grand Mosque dropped

While social distancing measures were lifted, Saudi authorities said pilgrims must be vaccinated and wear face masks.

The Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has returned to operating at full capacity, with worshippers praying shoulder-to-shoulder for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

On Sunday, floor markings that guide people to social distance in and around the Grand Mosque were removed.

“This is in line with the decision to ease precautionary measures and to allow pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque at full capacity,” the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.