Saudi Arabia will reopen two Islam worship sites in October, following suspensions for seven months to contain COVID-19 infections. Now it aims at stabilising its hit economy. Mecca and Medina’s mosques were curtailed in March when these areas were found to spread the virus quickly in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Parts of its economy were also under lockdown but eased mostly in June.

New regulations state local and foreign residents of Saudi Arabia being allowed to enter the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina for the year-round Umrah pilgrimage starting Oct. 4. Both mosques will at first be restricted to 30% capacity and later increased to 100% by November when permission is granted to outside pilgrims. A mobile app shall monitor site entrances. Face masks and social distancing are a must.

Falling oil rates have impacted Saudi Arabia’s economy, and COVID-19 impositions have affected tourism and entertainment sectors. With the reopening, also follow other rising infections around the area. Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Israel have each reported their highest-ever daily increases in infections this month, causing another lockdown in Israel. Britain declared the latest impositions following the second wave, and also partial lockdown in Madrid, Spain saw the largest outbreak in Europe. Infections in recent days reached almost 5000, at an average of 500 per day. Malls, restaurants and offices resumed services in June under government approval. Saudi authorities permitted the continuation of International flights the previous week while instructing that foreigners must test negative for Covid-19 no more than 48 hours before entering and then self-isolate for three days after arriving.

In July, the kingdom hosted a dramatically scaled-down hajj pilgrimage, with worshipers limited to small groups, in contrast with the millions that typically attend one of Islam’s most important annual rituals. Phase 3 COVID-19 trials developed by Russia were to be held in Saudi Arabia last month, but local authorities have suggested they are still evaluating precautions. Last week, the UAE became the first nation outside China to approve emergency usage of a Chinese vaccine candidate for the front-line medical worker.