Saudi Arabia Ready to Protect Hajj Pilgrims Amid Global Virus Fears
Saudi Arabia's health authorities stressed that the country had prepared a system to protect pilgrims, with an estimated 1.5 million people expected to participate next week amid global concerns over the virus outbreak in Africa and Europe.
Pilgrims from various countries have traveled to Mecca for this year's hajj pilgrimage, which began on May 25. Many pilgrims who arrived in Saudi Arabia have visited places including the Grand Mosque and Jabal Al Nour, which includes Al Hira Cave, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have received the first revelation of the Quran.
They have also made the journey between the hills of Safa and Marwa - a ritual that is part of the umrah pilgrimage, which can be performed throughout the year, except during the official start of the Hajj season.
Security measures have been strengthened at airports and other areas that pilgrims will pass through, after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern. The emergence of hantavirus has also sparked concerns around the world.
The Saudi Public Health Authority said the kingdom's epidemiological surveillance system is "fully prepared to protect citizens, residents, and pilgrims," the Saudi News Agency reported, as quoted by The National (22/5).
"Prevention measures have been tightened for travelers coming from neighboring countries, including Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Republic of Congo," he added.
Iranian pilgrims were among those who had traveled to the kingdom, amid rising tensions in the region caused by Iran's attacks on Gulf countries. including Saudi Arabia.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have also taken steps to help pilgrims facing the heat of the summer, including building shaded pathways.
There are also at least 34 medical units near the holy sites to help maintain the safety of pilgrims.
It is known that Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. All Muslims who are able are required to perform the hajj at least once in their lifetime.