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Workers clean the Grand Mosque during Umrah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Image Credit: AP

Cairo: Over 4,000 workers are employed to clean up the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca around the clock, according to official figures.

Supported by over 100 cleaning devices, the 4,000 workers clean up all parts and external courtyards of the large mosque, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques said, according to Okaz newspaper.

It takes only 30 minutes to clean and sterilize the circumambulation area around the Kaaba.

“Workers have enough skills to work without stopping pilgrims from performing their rituals,” it added.

On October 4, Saudi Arabia set into motion the first phase of an Umrah resumption plan after suspension of around seven months due to the new coronavirus outbreak. That phase allowed 6,000 Umrah pilgrims from inside the kingdom per day.

The second went into effect on October 18, allowing about 40,000 worshippers and 10,000 pilgrims a day into the Grand Mosque.

As many as 20,000 Umrah pilgrims and 60,000 worshipers per day are allowed to perform prayers at the mosque according to the current third phase of the plan.