As part of the ceaseless efforts being made by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to protect the health safety of pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season, MOH is implementing several precautionary measures; with a view to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season. This is particularly important amid the global health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that pilgrimage is being organized amid strict measures, including social distancing, to protect pilgrims from COVID-19 risks.
MOH is showing keen interest in embracing the world's best and highest health and safety standards, to make sure that pilgrims will return to their families safe and healthy. In this spirit, the Ministry has called on everyone to adhere to the recommended measures, including physical distancing, wearing facemasks, maintaining hygiene, and being fully vaccinated (which means that every accepted pilgrim should have taken two doses of the vaccine). That way, Ministry seeks to maintain all pilgrims’ safety.
MOH has prepared sufficient health facilities in the Holy Places for providing medical care for pilgrims. These included 3 hospitals in the Holy Places (Eastern Arafat, Mount Al-Rahma, and Mina Al-Wadi), and 6 primary healthcare centers (PMCs) (two centers in Arafat, one center in Arafat Pedestrian Rout, and 3 centers in the pilgrims’ housing area in Mina). All these facilities will be ready to provide healthcare for the pilgrims needing it.
In addition to the large number of healthcare providers and technicians who will offer their services for pilgrims, MOH has intensified its preparations to address heat exhaustion and other heat-related conditions, taking into consideration that this year's Hajj season coincides with a hot weather. To that end, the Ministry has provided many misting fans, which have proven effective in curbing heat, and hence reducing the risk of heat exhaustion and sunstrokes.