Saudi Arabia limits around 1000 pilgrims this year

Hajj 1441H with Very Limited Numbers

Saudi Arabia Limit Around  

 1,000 Pilgrims this year

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Saudi Arabia limits more or less 1,000 pilgrims this year. The Ministry of Hajj announced on Saudi Television that they will allow around 1,000 only between Saudis and foreign residents. None from outside will be allowed. No mention of 10,000; only one thousand.

Another precautionary measure will be taken. After the completion of the Hajj the pilgrims will be taken to 2 weeks (14 days) quarantine before releasing them.

Being conscious of the global pandemic, Saudi Arabia has taken the following measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. Hajj pilgrim numbers could be limited to less or more than 1,000 to protect public health in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Saudi authorities, reported in Jeddah-based English daily Arab News.

It added, “Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah told a press conference on Tuesday (23 June 2020) that compulsory isolation before and after the pilgrimage will also be enforced. He said Saudi Arabia is capable of ensuring pilgrims’ safety this year.”

“The health ministry has accumulated experience in the service of pilgrims, and thus has enough human and technical capacities to serve pilgrims and preserve their health,” the Hajj Minister said and added that an integrated hospital at holy sites will be provided, along with a health centre in Arafat in case of emergencies during Hajj.”

It is also reported in the Arab News, the Health Minister Al-Rabiah said limiting the number of pilgrims this year is important. “Only people residing in the Kingdom, who are under 65 years of age and who do not have chronic diseases will be allowed to perform Hajj this year. They will get tested before arriving to the holy sites and will be subject to self-isolation after performing Hajj,” he said. He added that those serving pilgrims during Hajj will also be tested.

According to Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Muhammad Saleh Benten, “all pilgrims will be tested before they reach the holy sites and only Muslims under the age of 65 will be allowed to perform the exercise. All pilgrims will be asked to self-quarantine after they complete the Hajj rituals.

“All workers and volunteers will be tested before the Hajj pilgrimage begins. The health status of all pilgrims will be monitored daily just as hospital has been prepared for any emergency that occurs during the pilgrimage. Social distancing measures will be enforced.”

The Minister of Hajj explained that the procedures for spacing and avoiding the large crowds will be implemented for pilgrims, stressing the existence of "exceptional" implementation plans for this year's pilgrimage.

He added that the decision to limit numbers to less or more than 1,000 “was taken based on the Kingdom’s principles and past experience in managing Hajj. The main aim is preserving the health and safety of pilgrims in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is a delicate process and we are working with experts at the health ministry, the interior ministry and other authorities to ensure a safe Hajj,” Bentin said.

Every year, about 2.5 million Muslims visit the holiest sites of Islam in Makkah and Madinah.