Saudi Ministry of Health issues new Hajj guidance

The Saudi Arabian ministry of health recommended Friday that elderly people with chronic diseases, such as those affecting the heart, kidneys and respiratory system, as well as diabetes, postpone undertaking the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages this year. It has also issued guidance recommending pilgrims wear facemasks in crowded areas. The ministry has issued the new health guidelines as part of special precautionary measures for the new coronavirus known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). To date, there have been 66 cases in Saudi Arabia, with 38 recorded fatalities, according to the US Center for Disease Control. The virus is spread through person-to-person contact. An official source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi Ministry of Health has taken all possible precautionary measures with regard people of all nationalities—including Saudi Arabian citizens—who are arriving for pilgrimage. The ministry says it is coordinating with the World Health Organization in case of an outbreak of diseases that are subject...