MAKKAH — The protective barricades placed around Holy Kaaba as part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus have been removed. The decision to remove the barriers was taken after reviewing and evaluating the precautionary measures and their effectiveness and necessity by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet"s Mosque in coordination with the relevant authorities. Announcing the move, General Presidency of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet"s Mosque said that following the removal of the barricades, sterilization and disinfection operations will intensify. He also unveiled the operational plan for the holy month of Ramadan, which includes employing 3,500 staff to work around the clock to sterilize the Grand Mosque and its outer yards.