UMRAH PILGRIMS ADVISED TO TAKE COVID-19 VACCINE: SAUDI ARABIA’S MINISTER OF HAJJ AND UMRAH

Wed 06 January 2021:

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Muhammad Saleh Benten said that it is advisable for those who wish to perform Umrah to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

Benten made the remarks while speaking to Al-Arabiya channel after receiving coronavirus vaccine dose in Jeddah. “Anyone who registers to receive coronavirus vaccine through the Sehhaty application and wants to perform Umrah, must take the vaccine,” he said.

Preventative protocols will continue to be in place, but as a precautionary measure it is advised that all those who wish to perform the ritual take the COVID-19 vaccine, he said.

The Umrah pilgrimage is “safe”, he added, local media reported.

The remarks came in the wake of the minister receiving the coronavirus vaccine dose in Jeddah. “Anyone who registers to receive coronavirus vaccine through the Sehhaty application and wants to perform Umrah, must take the vaccine,” he said.

More than 100,000 people have already taken the vaccine, al-Ekhbariyah TV reported on Wednesday.

The Kingdom offers free vaccinations for all citizens and residents.

Masks are required at all times during Umrah, and the age limit on pilgrims is still in place, Benten added.

According to authorities, pilgrims must be between the age of 18 and 50 to be allowed to perform Umrah.

Medical teams have also been stationed in several areas around the courtyards, and an isolation and medical check-up room has been designated in case of a suspected coronavirus case.

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