RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is expected to scale back or call off this year's hajj pilgrimage for the first time in its modern history, observers say, a perilous decision as coronavirus cases spike.
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is expected to scale back or call off this year's hajj pilgrimage for the first time in its modern history, observers say, a perilous decision as coronavirus cases spike.
A full-scale hajj, which last year drew about 2.5 million pilgrims, appears increasingly unlikely after authorities advised Muslims in late March to defer preparations due to the fast-spreading disease. The hajj, a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, represents a major potential source of contagion as it packs millions of pilgrims into congested religious sites.
A series of deadly disasters over the years, including a 2015 stampede that killed up to 2,300 worshipers, has prompted criticism of the kingdom's management of the hajj. Amid an ongoing suspension of international flights, a reduced hajj with only local residents is a likely scenario, the official added.Saudi Arabia managed to hold the pilgrimage during previous outbreaks of Ebola and MERS.
To counter the spike, authorities this month tightened lockdown restrictions in the city of Jeddah, gateway to the pilgrimage city of Mecca. "The hajj is the most important spiritual journey in the life of any Muslim, but if Saudi Arabia proceeds in this scenario it will not only exert pressure on its own health system," said Yasmine Farouk from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Saudi wealth fund 'shopping spree' belies economic painAmid Saudi Arabia's worst economic crisis in decades, the seemingly contradictory state policy to splurge billions on overseas assets is raising eyebrows.
Read more »
Disinfecting non-stop as Italy faces two new virus outbreaks
Read more »
Europe reopens borders, but virus looms large elsewhereA raft of EU nations reopened their borders to fellow Europeans on Monday, June 15, when more than 8 million people are infected worldwide.
Read more »
Dine-in now allowed in Manila CityManila Mayor Isko Moreno has informed the capital's restaurants of the new allowance, which was intended to reinvigorate a local economy cratered by the novel coronavirus pandemic lockdowns since mid-March. READ:
Read more »
China's new virus outbreak needs further testing: WHO
Read more »
US records 382 virus deaths in 24 hours, lowest in weeks: monitor
Read more »