All those performing Hajj this year must have both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
This is according to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, who announced on Sunday that every one of the 60,000 selected to perform the holy ritual this year must have received both doses of the approved vaccines.
“When the Hajj permit is issued after completing all the procedures, the accepted person who has not completed their vaccination course with two doses must visit one of the Corona vaccine centres, and they will receive a text message informing them,” the ministry said.
558,270 people have applied to take part in Hajj this year, which the Ministry is selecting down, with the first qualification being vaccinated status.
Only Saudi citizens and residents with at least one dose of the vaccine were allowed to apply on the website, but only those with both will be able to attend.
Priority will be given to those who have not performed Hajj in the last five years, as well as those over the age of 50 who have never performed Hajj, according to the Ministry.
In 2020, Hajj was limited to 1,000 domestic pilgrims due to the pandemic. Hajj will likely begin this year on July 17.
In the UAE, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, said that you should have taken both doses in order to travel, otherwise travel should be avoided.
“People planning to travel outside the country have been advised to avoid crowded places, wear masks at all the time and to maintain physical distancing, regardless of the Covid-19 protocols applied in those countries,” she added.
“We also advise people to wear masks continuously while using any means of transport, including planes, cars, buses, etc.”
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