Saudi Arabia has yet to report any cases of Covid-19 or Coronavirus, the worldwide epidemic that’s swept to 58 countries. The Kingdom has temporarily halted the entry of pilgrims to visit holy sites.
Associated Press reports that the decision showed the growing worry across the Middle East about the virus as Iran confirmed that infected cases in the country spiked by over 100, to 254 now. A total of 26 people have died so far, it said.
According to Bloomberg, Muslim pilgrims travelling to perform the non-compulsory Umrah ritual in the holy city of Makkah or visit a sacred site in Medinah won’t be allowed to enter, nor will tourists from countries “where the spread of coronavirus represents a danger,” according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
However, pilgrimages by foreign residents, citizens and visitors already in the nation are continuing as usual and they can register for a permit via the official channels.
