Recently, Saudi announced that it will reopen borders on Monday May 17, with strict restrictions in place. And now, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have announced that this year’s Hajj will go on as per plan, but with utmost health and safety precautions in place. The decision was made in order to preserve the health and well being of the pilgrims.
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Health institutions in Saudi Arabia are continuously assessing the situation, in order to lay out a plan that will make this year’s Hajj a successful one. The kingdom is yet to roll out a complete list of precautions.
Saudi Prepared For A Very Limited Hajj In 2020
Last year, the Kindgom of Saudi Arabia banned gatherings and meetings during the Hajj, in order to curb the spread of the virus. In addition, the kingdom also put a cap in the number of domestic pilgrims attending the Hajj. For the first time in history, the number of pilgrims visiting Hajj last year was reduced to 1,000.
Hajj sites at Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat were accessible only to those with Hajj permits, for pilgrims and organisers. Besides, for the first time, Muslims abroad were not permitted to take part in the pilgrimage. The decision was made in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
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Saudi pilgrims were selected from among healthcare workers and security personnel who have recovered from Covid. This was done as a token of appreciation for healthcare workers who provided tireless care during the pandemic. As for foreign residents in Saudi Arabia, only those aged 20 -50 were allowed to participate in Hajj last year.
Pilgrims were permitted to drink the holy water from the Zamzam well in Mecca. However, this was pre-packed in plastic bottles. Similarly, pebbles that are usually picked up by pilgrims along hajj routes, were sterilized and handed over to worshippers at the time of arrival. All pilgrims were asked to quarantine before and after the hajj and were also be tested for Covid.
Well, this year, the pilgrimage is set to take place, but we must wait and watch the precautions and rules that will be put in place. Watch out this space for more news!