Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday that it will hold the holy Hajj pilgrimage this year with preventive, security and organizational precautions in place amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed that the Kingdom “prioritizes the safety and health of man first” and is determined to hold the Hajj this year according to measures that ensure the pilgrims’ health and safety.
Ministry spokesman Hisham Saeed said that the health and organizational measures and procedures will be announced at a later date.
Health authorities are continuing to monitor the health and pandemic situation and are ensuring that the precautions are being implemented.
During a press briefing on the outbreak, he revealed that more than 17.5 million people have benefited from the Tawakkalna and Eatmarna apps and carried out the Umrah and performed prayers at the two holy mosques.
Speaking at the same briefing, Health Ministry spokesman Mohammed Abdelali said that Saudi Arabia has almost administered 10 million COVID-19 vaccine shots.
This has led to a fluctuation in cases, although concerns are high of a spike during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday when people get together, he noted.
He stressed that vaccination centers throughout the Kingdom will be open to receive people during the holiday.
The Health Ministry confirmed 942 new infections, taking it total to 426,384. It reported 1,064 more recoveries and 13 deaths, taking the toll to 7,072.
