Saudi Arabia reports no COVID-19 cases during Hajj

Worshippers perform the farewell tawaf around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on July 22, 2021, marking the end of this year's Hajj. Image Credit: AFP

Muslims start to leave Mecca after completing downsized pilgrimage

 

Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced no coronavirus infections were reported among pilgrims during Hajj as a result of an integrated health plan.

The announcement was made by Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabiah, Minister of Health, as pilgrims started to leave Mecca after completing this year’s downsized Hajj pilgrimage.

Dr. Al Rabiah attributed the success of the season to the plan which was put in place at all holy sites.

“The decision to limit the number of pilgrims to 60,000 had a tangible impact on preserving the health and safety of pilgrims,” he said.

The minister thanked King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their utmost keenness to provide all means to serve the pilgrims and facilitate their performance of Hajj rituals in a comfortable and safe atmosphere.

He said that the ministry and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority rolled out measures which included a group of hospitals, health centres and highly equipped ambulances, supervised by medical, technical and administrative staff, who are qualified and trained to work during the Hajj season.

The minister noted that all participating government sectors made great efforts to implement the plan to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prevent the spread of infection.

“All these efforts and precautionary measures have contributed significantly to dealing with the health situation of the pandemic during this year’s Hajj season, which necessitated limiting the number of pilgrims to 60,000 vaccinated pilgrims to preserve the health and safety of pilgrims,” he added.