Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh (SHP)
Riyadh, Apr 1: The Ministry of Haj and Umrah on Tuesday via state TV urged pilgrims to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia at least until there is more clarity over the coronavirus pandemic.
Some 2.5 million pilgrims from around the world usually flock to the holiest sites of Makkah and Madinah for the week-long ritual. The Haj pilgrimage witnesses the largest gathering of Muslims which is scheduled to commence in July later this year, however, coronavirus outbreak has brought an indefinite halt on all large gatherings. As one of the measures to contain the spread, health advisory was against the mass gathering.
Saudi Arabia has already suspended the smaller Umrah pilgrimage until further notice, halted all international passenger flights indefinitely and in the last week blocked entry and exit to several cities, including Makkah and Madinah.