Access to sacred haj sites should be limited to those with haj permits from Sunday.
CAIRO:
Saudi Arabia has announced health protocols to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in the 2020 season, banning gatherings and meetings between pilgrims, the official news agency said on Monday.
Saudi Arabia decided in June to limit the number of domestic pilgrims attending the hajj to around 1,000 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, after banning Muslims abroad from the rite for the first year of modern times.
Touching the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, will be prohibited during the haj this year, and a space of social distance of one and a half meters between each pilgrim during rituals, including mass prayers and while in the circular area of Kaaba will be imposed, a declaration of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has been prepared.
In addition, access to the sacred haj sites in Mona, Muzdalifah and Arafat will be limited to those with haj permits from Sunday July 19 until August 2, 2020, and wearing masks all the time will be mandatory for pilgrims and organizers.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
