To prevent contagion of coronavirus the Saudi government this year decided to begin the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca with mask-clad Saudi residents only.
Every year more than 2 million Muslims from every part of the world perform Hajj. However, due to the pandemic, the Saudi government cut short the annual participation of people to 10,000 Saudi residents for a five-day pilgrimage.
“There are no security related concerns in this pilgrimage, but downsizing is to protect pilgrims from danger of pandemic”, said Saudi Arabia’s director of public security Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi.
A worshiper has to undergo a coronavirus test before arriving at Mecca and quarantine themselves after they complete Hajj. There will be frequent temperature checks and a short quarantine period before the pilgrimage.
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The health workers are given an electronic wrist band which would allow the authorities to monitor their whereabouts. The health workers are given the task of cleaning areas around the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, and sanitizing luggage of pilgrims.
This year the Saudi government has banned the touching or kissing of the Kaaba, as well as, urged pilgrims to maintain 1.5 meters of distance while praying.
Various health facilities, mobile clinics, and ambulances by Hajj authorities have been set up for pilgrims.
The pilgrims have been provided with amenity kits which include pebbles for stoning ritual, disinfectants, masks, a prayer mat, and the ihram according to a report by Hajj ministry.
According to the Hajj ministry about 160 non- Saudi residents have applied online selection processes to perform Hajj but they did not disclose the exact number.
Some disappointed applicants complained that their lottery was not clearly outlined as they were not provided a proper reason for rejection from the government-run lottery agency.
Every year $12 billion is contributed to Saudi Arabia’s Gross Product Domestic (GDP) by Muslims who come to the country to perform Hajj. But due to the pandemic, not only did Saudi experience a fall in GDP contributions via hajj but also the fall in global demand for oil pushed the oil prices down. Such economic downfalls lead to the Saudi government tripling the value-added tax and cuts to civil servant allowances.
Hundreds of businessmen and employees who support their families through the annual income generated during the Hajj pilgrimage are now facing huge losses this year.