Saudi arabia halts visits to mecca and medina over virus spread
You're referring to the recent news about Saudi Arabia's decision to suspend Umrah pilgrimages and limit access to Mecca and Medina due to the spread of COVID-19.
Here's a summary of the situation:
Background: Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike the Hajj pilgrimage which is mandatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the trip.
Decision: On March 4, 2020, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health announced that it would suspend Umrah pilgrimages and limit access to Mecca and Medina due to the rapid spread of COVID-19.
Reason: The decision was made to protect the health and safety of pilgrims, as well as the local population, from the virus.
Impact: The suspension of Umrah pilgrimages means that millions of Muslims who were planning to visit Mecca and Medina will not be able to do so. The decision also affects the economy of Saudi Arabia, which relies heavily on tourism and pilgrimages.
Exceptions: The Saudi government has made some exceptions to the suspension, including:
- Pilgrims who have already arrived in Saudi Arabia and have a valid visa will be allowed to complete their Umrah pilgrimage.
- Pilgrims who have a medical condition or are elderly will be allowed to perform Umrah, but only if they have a medical certificate and are accompanied by a companion.
- Pilgrims who are traveling for other purposes, such as business or education, will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia, but must follow strict health and safety protocols.
Next steps: The Saudi government has announced that it will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments to its policies as necessary to protect public health.
Global implications: The suspension of Umrah pilgrimages has significant implications for Muslims around the world, who were planning to make the pilgrimage. It also highlights the global nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for countries to take swift and decisive action to protect public health.