Pilgrims return to Mecca as Saudi eases virus restrictions

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — A very small, limited number of people donning the white terrycloth garment symbolic of the Muslim pilgrimage have circled Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, after Saudi Arabia began lifting coronavirus restrictions that had been in place for months. The kingdom in early March took the rare step of suspending the smaller “umrah” pilgrimage that draws millions year-round from across the world. As countries begin to ease virus-related restrictions, t