SAUDI ARABIA HAS DONE IT AGAIN - HAJJ SEASON FREE OF COVID-19: The Hajj season has passed off successfully free from COVID-19, thanks to an integrated system of health facilities in the holy sites, including hospitals, health centres and well-equipped ambulances. All government entities involved in serving the pilgrims have made great efforts to implement the Hajj health plan to ensure pilgrims’ safety. The early efforts and precautionary measures, which necessitated limiting the number to 60,000 inoculated faithful, bore fruit. For this year’s Hajj, the second to be staged under the shadow of the pandemic, the authorities had rolled out electronic Hajj cards that allowed contactless access to religious sites, accommodation and transport. Instead of communal water dispensers, an army of robots was deployed to distribute sacred water to the faithful. All those involved in this gigantic task deserve the praise for the job well done. [COMMENT by Stephen N.R., Senior Asociate Editor]
AP