Mecca mosque to be sanitised 10 times daily in Ramadan with 60,000 litres of sanitiser

The Grand Mosque of Mecca is set to be cleaned 10 times a day using 60,000 litres of sanitiser to keep worshippers safe during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Saudi authorities announced on Sunday.

The new coronavirus measures also include thermal cameras which will scan visitors for signs of fever.

Ramadan is one of the busiest months of the year at Islam's holiest site for the minor pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Umrah. Saudi authorities resumed Umrah pilgrimages in October after a seven-month pause.

The limited number of pilgrims allowed to travel to Mecca  Ramadan, which begins in mid-April, will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing.

Authorities at the grand mosque will also prepare special areas for worshippers with disabilities, and ready-made meals will be provided for all during the evening prayer.

The new measures follow similar Ramadan-related announcements last week, includingn a ban on Ramadan buffet dinners and tents.

Earlier this month, it was announced that pilgrims wishing to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage next season must prove that they have received the coronavirus vaccine.