RIYADH: The Saudi government has decided to allow between 1,000 and 10,000 pilgrims to perform Hajj this year.
The pilgrims will have to isolate themselves at their homes after performing the Hajj for a specific time period.
Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Saleh and Health Minister Taufeeq speaking at a presser said that the pilgrims will undergo a complete medical checkup before the Hajj.
They added that the people aged over 65 years would not be allowed to perform the annual ritual.
Earlier on Monday, the Saudi government had decided to hold the Hajj pilgrimage with a limited number of pilgrims (Hujjaj) this year to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The Hajj and Umrah ministry said: “As COVID-19 cases continue to grow globally while the risks of Coronavirus spread in crowded spaces and to countries still exist, Hajj 1441H is decided to take place this year with a limited number of pilgrims from all nationalities residing in Saudi Arabia only, who are willing to perform Hajj.”
The pilgrims will be from various nationalities who are already living in the kingdom.
The government said that a very limited number of local pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj this year.
The annual Islamic ritual attracts around two million every year.
The Saudi government was expecting about $12 in revenue from the religious pilgrims this year before the Covid-19 struck.
