Hajj 2020: KSA expresses readiness to welcome pilgrims from July 24

Saudi Arabia Health Ministry while expressing readiness for Hajj 2020 season, said that the arrival of pilgrims will be started from July 24th.

According to the details,  Saudi Arabia Health Ministry said that due to corona virus, all pilgrims must be quarantined for 7 days before coming to Mecca.

Pilgrims will be provided with medical check-ups, seasonal fever and influenza vaccination and other medical facilities.

On the other hand, Zayed Al Tuwailan, commander of haj Security Forces, told the media that the forces are ready to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

He revealed that pilgrims of 160 nationalities, 70 of whom are foreign residents in the Kingdom, would take part in this year’s annual pilgrimage.

“It is an extraordinary season with extraordinary measures to tackle the coronavirus for the safety of pilgrims,” Al Tuwailan said.

The commander warned of jail terms and fines against violators, noting non-Saudis would face deportation.

Earlier The government of Saudi Arabia announced health protocols for the prevention of (COVID 19) disease for Hajj season 1441 H.

The protocols, issued by Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control SaudiCDC, covered general controls for service providers, residential buildings, food places, buses, Men’s barbershops, Arafa and Muzdalifah and Makkah’s Grand Mosque.

The health protocols also highlighted the awareness aspects concerning the prevention of (COVID 19) disease.

The controls include forbidding entrance to the holy sites (Mona, Muzdalifah, Arafat) without a permit, starting from Sunday 28 of Dhu al-Qi’dah 1441 AH corresponding to July 19, 2020 AD until the end of Sunday 12 of Dhu al-Hijjah 1441 AH corresponding to August 2, 2020.

The controls allow completion of Hajj for suspected cases, after evaluation by the specialist doctor, so that they are attached to the group of suspected cases. A separate residence and transports are allocated to them.

The controls detail health conditions for workers, highlight the importance of wearing masks, explain logistics for pilgrims to ensure social distancing and procedures of sanitization.

Also Read

Hajj 1441: Saudi Arabia opens registration for foreign residents

Following the Coronavirus outbreak, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah opens...

The controls allow prayers in congregation with an emphasis on wearing a cloth mask during the congregational prayer and keeping the distance between the worshipers.

The controls also detail measures concerning water and food, hygiene and transport in buses.

Advertisement

In the Grand Mosque, touching or kissing the honorable Kaaba or the Black Stone are prevented. Social distancing is also stressed by the controls.