JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia officially banned a number of countries from carrying out the pilgrimage, Monday, June 22. However, allowing it with a limited number, namely pilgrims who are in the country. The implementation of this limited hajj will enforce strict social distancing.
Thus, this year will be the first in modern times, Muslims are not allowed to perform the pilgrimage.
"This decision was taken to ensure Hajj is carried out in a safe manner from a health perspective while observing all necessary preventive measures and social distancing protocols to protect humans from the risks associated with this pandemic and in accordance with Islamic teachings in preserving human life," said the ministry in charge of Hajj and Umrah reported by Reuters, Tuesday, June 23.
Currently, the number of Corona Virus cases in Saudi Arabia has exceeded 160,000, with 1,307 deaths. Over the past two weeks, new infections in Saudi Arabia have continued to increase.
About 2.5 million worshipers usually visit the holiest Islamic sites in Mecca and Medina during the pilgrimage. Official data shows Saudi Arabia earns around US $ 12 billion a year from Haj and Umrah.
Earlier, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia suspended international passenger flights in March and asked Muslims to postpone pilgrimage plans until further notice. International arrivals for Umrah pilgrims have also been suspended until further notice.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, Malaysia and Indonesia both banned their citizens from traveling to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage, citing concerns over the Corona Virus.
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