Saudi Arabia issues Hajj season health and safety guidelines

Dubai: With the Hajj season to begin on July 28, Saudi Arabia has issued several health and safety guidelines in preparation for the annual pilgrimage which will be held in a limited capacity this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Al Arabiya.

The guidelines include the implementation of a medical quarantine for all pilgrims ahead of their entry into Mecca’s holy sites.

Authorities will also be preparing a gathering centre for them in Mecca with an area of 6,000 square meters.

All pilgrims will need to adhere to social distancing measures including keeping a two meter distance between each other throughout their pilgrimage.

They will also be divided into separate groups not exceeding 20 individuals. All groups will be accompanied by a guide throughout their pilgrimage.

Authorities will also be using 40 busses capable of holding 49 passengers but each will be limited to a capacity of 22 pilgrims at any given journey. Groups using a specific bus will be using the same one throughout the different stages of the Hajj. Pilgrims will be assigned specific seats on their bus throughout their time in Mecca.

In the city of Mina, pilgrims will be allocated their own space consisting of no less than nine meters. The same individual space policy will be enforced in Arafat, and Muzdalifah.