Coronavirus: WHO supports Saudi Arabia’s decision to host limited Hajj pilgrimage
The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the recent decision taken by Saudi Arabia to host a limited Hajj season this year based on risk assessments under WHO guidance, the organization’s chief said in a press conference on Wednesday.
“Earlier this week, the government of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that this year’s Hajj will proceed with a limited number of pilgrims of different nationalities who live within the kingdom. This decision was made based on a risk assessment and analysis of different scenarios in accordance with WHO guidance to protect the safety of pilgrims and minimize the risk of transmission,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom.
Visit our dedicated coronavirus site here for all the latest updates.
“WHO supports this decision. We understand that it was not an easy decision to make, and we also understand it is a major disappointment for many Muslims who are looking forward to making their pilgrimage this year,” Adhanom added.
“This is another example of the hard choices that all countries must make to put health first.”
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Earlier on Monday, Saudi Arabia’s authorities confirmed the Hajj pilgrimage would be held in a limited capacity this year amid the global pandemic.
The safety of Muslim pilgrims during #Hajj is “a priority," and the #coronavirus countermeasures introduced by #SaudiArabia have been supported by Islamic leaders around the world, says the Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa. https://t.co/oMgwLOwVjH pic.twitter.com/vCFbzFJI5H
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) June 23, 2020
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime. Last year, 2.5 million pilgrims performed their Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
Read more:
Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia announces Hajj protocols, measures for pilgrims
Coronavirus: Muftis across Arab, Islamic world welcome Saudi decision to limit Hajj
Coronavirus numbers 'quickly rising,' WHO warns after record global COVID-19 spike
-
Coronavirus numbers 'quickly rising,' WHO warns after record global COVID-19 spike
A record level of new daily COVID-19 cases worldwide could suggest the pandemic is peaking in some large countries, even as the coronavirus has become ... Coronavirus -
Coronavirus: Muftis across Arab, Islamic world welcome Saudi decision to limit Hajj
From Djibouti to Pakistan, religious scholars and Islamic organizations have welcomed a decision by Saudi Arabia to host a limited Hajj this year ... Coronavirus -
Coronavirus: Hajj 2020 will be under 'exceptional' circumstances, says Saudi Minister
The Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj will be taking place under "exceptional" circumstances this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, said Saudi Arabia's ... Gulf