Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Starting Sunday, authorities will impose a ban on entering holy sites without a permit as the Kingdom braces for holding a limited pilgrimage this year due to fears of the new coronavirus.

Security personnel will stop entry into the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat without a permit, local media reports said.

According to an earlier statement from an Interior Ministry official source, the restriction will come into effect from the 28th of Dhul Qadah, Islamic lunar month and runs until 12 Dhul Hijjah.

Violations are punishable by a fine of SR10,000 that will be doubled in case of repetition. Security personnel will be on duty on all roads leading to the holy sites to prevent violations and detect any illegal attempt to enter the places during the designated period as well as apply related penalties to offenders.

The Kingdom has announced that 70 percent of this year’s pilgrims will be expatriate residents while the remaining 30 percent will be Saudis. The maximum number of participating pilgrims has been set at 10,000 to ensure a safe Hajj for all.