Saudi boosts pandemic curbs at Makkah’s Grand Mosque

Saudi Arabia yesterday reimposed social distancing measures at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Makkah, after recording the highest number of infections in months. Workers have returned floor markings removed on October 17 to guide people to social distance in and around the Grand Mosque -- which is built around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure towards which Muslims around the world pray. Saudi authorities said they will reimpose "social distancing requirements between worshippers and pilgrims" at the Grand Mosque, without specifying whether a capacity has been set.