Proceeding from the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to maintain the public health and ensure a safe and healthy atmosphere for the performers of Pilgrimage “Hajj” and Umrah, Allah Willing; in order to enable them to perform the rituals easily, healthily and conveniently, and within the framework of the precautionary measures against Novel Coronavirus (MERS-COV), the Ministry of Health (MOH( has issued health regulations and requirements that must be met by those coming to the Kingdom for performing Umrah and Hajj for the year 1434 H.
These regulations included the recommendation of postponing the performance of Umrah and Hajj this year in case of the elderly people and patients suffering from chronic diseases such as heart, kidney, and respiratory diseases, not to forget diabetes, as well as patients with congenital and acquired immune deficiency, in addition to patients suffering from tumors, and pregnant women and children.
Within the same vein, the regulations included some tips and health awareness guidelines for citizens, residents and visitors to perform Umrah or Hajj such as: washing hands well and continually with water and soap, or with other hand disinfectants, especially after coughing, sneezing, using a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then getting rid of it in a waste basket, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth directly with hands, limiting direct contact with infectious people and avoiding sharing their personal tools, wearing face-masks in overcrowded places, and maintaining hygiene in general. Furthermore, these regulations included obtaining a valid certificate of vaccination against meningitis at least 10 days before travelling to the Kingdom, and up to 3 years, as well as getting a certificate of vaccination against polio-affected countries, according to specific requirements.
It is worth mentioning that the health regulations have shed light on the importance of vaccination against seasonal influenza vaccine, especially for people with chronic diseases such as heart and kidney diseases, diabetes and respiratory and neurological diseases, as well as people with congenital and acquired immune deficiency diseases, metabolic diseases, pregnant women and children under 5 years, aside from people suffering from obesity and overweight.