Saudi Arabia announces Haj restrictions amid ongoing covid-19 pandemic

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday announced a series of measures to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus during the annual Haj pilgtimage scheduled to take place later this month. The Kingdom will limit the number of domestic attendees to around 1,000 and touching the Kaaba, Islam's most sacred monument, will be banned, reports the BBC. Social distancing will also be imposed.

In normal times the pilgrimage is one of the most significant moments in the Muslim religious calendar. Some two million people were expected to travel to Mecca and Medina this July and August for the annual gathering. But only Saudi residents will be allowed to attend this year.

Monday's development came as Saudi Arabia reported a total of 209,509 COVID-19 cases, while the death toll stands at 1,916.

Last month, Saudi Arabia had announced that due to the coronavirus pandemic, only a "very limited number" of people will be allowed to take part in this year's Haj pilgrimage. So while this year's Haj will include non-Saudis, those individuals must already reside inside the borders of the Kingdom to be eligible. This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has restricted participation in the pilgrimage. (IANS)

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