Saudis tell old and sick to put off pilgrimage to holy land

New Delhi, July 13: Saudi Arabia has asked elderly people or those with chronic diseases to postpone their pilgrimage to holy sites and Haj this October due to MERS coronavirus. There is also moderate rush during the month of Ramzan.

The ailment, caused by the coronavirus, wreaks havoc on the respiratory systems. It mainly affects older people and thirty-eight have died from the virus in Saudi Arabia. The World Health Organization has confirmed 80 cases of infection and 44 deaths worldwide.

The MERS (Middle East respiratory-syndrome) coronavirus emerged in the Arabian peninsula in September 2012.

In a list of requirements issued by the health ministry tells the pilgrims visiting its holy sites to wear masks in crowded places to stop the spread of the virus.

While in the country the pilgrims have been told to maintain personal hygiene, use a tissue when sneezing and coughing, wash hands, throw used tissues in the trash, don't touch eyes, nose and mouth while in public places and have the necessary vaccinations.

Millions of Muslims make their journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and pray before the Kaaba. Muslims also travel to the site at other times, as well as to Medina.

OneIndia News