Only those foreigners who are already on the territory of Saudi Arabia will be able to perform the Hajj this year, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia informed on Monday.
"With the COVID-19 coronavirus spread to more than 180 countries, and the number of deaths related to COVID-19 has reached the threshold of almost half a million, more than seven million cases have been confirmed worldwide, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose main goal is to always allow Muslim pilgrims to conduct the Hajj in peace and security, and which has taken all necessary measures to protect pilgrims since the beginning of the pandemic, has decided that a limited number of pilgrims will be able to participate in the Hajj this year (only nationalities who are already on the territory of Saudi Arabia)," the Minister said.
He noted that all believers who remained in the country due to the closed borders due to the pandemic will be safe "until they can leave for their homeland".
This year, the Hajj period falls on July 28 - August 2.
Meanwhile, since Sunday, the Saudi authorities have lifted a curfew throughout the country. At the same time, Umrah (small pilgrimage to Mecca), as well as international air, land and sea traffic remain prohibited until further notice.
All economic and commercial activities are permitted under all health regulations, including the wearing of masks and social distance. A number of people in one place should not exceed 50.
Since Sunday, the country has also opened gyms and resumed sports events.
Saudi Arabia began gradually easing its quarantine measures at the end of May, lifting bans on internal travel, reopening mosques and allowing workers to return to their jobs.
As of June 22, more than 161 thousand people were infected with the coronavirus in Saudi Arabia. 1307 patients with confirmed COVID-19 died, and more than 105 thousand were completely cured.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: GLady / Pixabay
Based on materials from Interfax