Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia Asks Muslims to Delay Hajj Bookings
Hajj
Minister Mohammed Banten said the kingdom was concerned about the safety of
pilgrims and urged people to "wait before concluding contracts".
Some
two million people were expected to travel to Mecca and Medina this July and
August for the annual gathering.
Muslims
who are physically able must undertake the Hajj once in a lifetime.
The
lesser pilgrimage, the Umra, has already been suspended as a precaution to try
to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
People
are also being prevented from entering Mecca and Medina, as well as the capital
Riyadh, as the Saudi authorities attempt to contain an outbreak of Covid-19 that
has infected at least 1,563 people and claimed 10 lives in the country.
"Saudi Arabia
is fully ready to serve pilgrims and Umra seekers in all circumstances,"
Mr Banten told state TV. "But under the current circumstances, as we are
talking about the global pandemic, from which we have asked God to save us, the
kingdom is keen to protect the health of Muslims and citizens."
"So
we have asked our brother Muslims in all countries to wait before concluding
contracts [with tour operators] until the situation is clear."
He added that the
Hajj and health ministries had been inspecting hotels currently being used to
accommodate people who had been undertaking Umra before the suspension and then
been told to self-isolate or been unable to return home.
The
minister also said that, for the time being, people who had purchased Umra
visas and that could not be used would be refunded the cost.
FROM .bbc.com/news/world-middle-east
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