Almasalla news | Arab Tourism Portal News
11 DUBAI– International SOS, the world’s leading medical and security services company, is providing advice on health preparations for Hajj in Saudi Arabia, amidst COVID-19 pandemic. This year, with Hajj expected to commence between 17 July and 22 July, the Ministry of Hajj announced that pilgrimage will be permitted to 60,000 people, for residents of all nationalities and citizens inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Performing the Hajj rituals for this year will be limited to those between the ages of 18-65, who are free of chronic diseases and have been vaccinated.
In a normal year, more than 3 million foreign and domestic pilgrims are expected to perform their religious duties in Mecca, Mina, Arafat & Muzdalifah, with many also travelling to Medina in the weeks before and after the pilgrimage. Last year, the kingdom closed its borders to contain the spread of pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 and Hajj was restricted to 1,000 domestic pilgrims.
Dr Olivier Barles, Regional Medical Director at International SOS in Dubai, advises:
“In the context of COVID-19 and even for those that have been fully vaccinated, pilgrims should continue to adhere to personal precautionary measures in order to best protect themselves from the potential threat all the COVID-19 variants.
Therefore, they are still advised to keep safe distance between each other, to wear face masks and gloves and maintain a high degree of personal hygiene by washing hands frequently.
It is also important to follow the regulations outlined by the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia and to pay attention to other known diseases prevalent in the region, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Wellness measures to cope with environmental issues, such as the extreme heat should also be implemented.
Then, always choose clean, well-cooked food and safe beverages, including bottled water and pasteurised milk.
Also, take measures to stay hydrated and cool to avoid heat-related illnesses.”
