Masjids in the holy city of Mecca were opened to public today as Saudi Arabia lifted its COVID lockdown at 6am on 21 June.

Though the lockdown was eased, the restrictions and protocols in most cases will stay.

An official source in the Ministry of Interior, government of Saudi Arabia stated, that with utmost care and caution, the COVID curfew has been lifted on 21 June.  Precautionary and preventive measures have been taken to ensure that normal activity resumes under the shadow of COVID19.

The curfew has been lifted, while at the same time keeping certain restrictions - covering the face with a mask, no gathering of more than 50 people and other such.  There will be a regular review and inspection of the situation by the Ministry of Health.

The official statement issued by the government also stated that Umrah and visits from outside the country stands suspended and will be reviewed periodically in light of health data.

International flights will continue to be suspended along with entry and exit across land and sea borders, until further notice.

In the light of the above, there is still no clarity on the Haj 2020 pilgrimage.  With Umrah being suspended and Haj scheduled from 28 July til l2 August, the chances of the Haj pilgrimage seem meagre.