Coronavirus: scaled-down haj pilgrimage to start July 29, say Saudi officials
- Event will include only 1,000 Muslim pilgrims as country battles Covid-19 surge
- Strict hygiene protocols will be in place, and only those under 65 without chronic illnesses can take part
This year’s haj, which has been scaled back dramatically to include only around 1,000 Muslim pilgrims as Saudi Arabia battles a coronavirus surge, will begin on July 29, authorities said Monday.
Some 2.5 million people from all over the world usually participate in the ritual that takes place over several days, centred on the holy city of Mecca.
This year’s haj will be held under strict hygiene protocols, with access limited to pilgrims under 65 years old and without any chronic illnesses.
“The stand of pilgrims on Mount Arafat, the peak of the haj ritual, falls on Thursday,” the official Saudi Press Agency cited the Supreme Court as saying, indicating that Wednesday would be the first day of the annual event.
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The timing of the haj is determined by the position of the moon, in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar.