The Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office director, Dr. Alaa al-Elwan, has declared that the Saudi authorities have managed to prevent epidemic and viral outbreaks (especially: coronavirus), among over 1.5 million pilgrims during this Hajj season. Dr. al-Ealwan made this announcement before leaving Cairo, in his way to Amman, to participate in the Organization's regional activities.
The German News Agency (DPA) has quoted al-Elwan as saying, “The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken part in overseeing the health situation of pilgrims through it observers. There are no corona infections amongst pilgrims thus far. Our units haven't registered any cases of corona or any other acute diseases that threaten the health and safety of pilgrims. That is because the Saudi authorities have provided health services soundly and adequately at all Hajj sites. That is to be added to establishing new hospitals and health centers at the Holy Sites (Mina).”
He went on to say, “To tell the truth, the WHO has been concerned about the potential prevalence of coronavirus, in addition to some other epidemics, amidst pilgrims in this Hajj season. That is why it has sent teams from the epidemic diseases program to take part in a technical mission to oversee and provide the necessary guidance as regards the precautionary procedures to be taken in order to prevent the prevalence of coronavirus, as well as helping in the early detection of the outbreak. The Saudi authorities, however, have managed to protect such a huge number of pilgrims from the prevalence of epidemics. And the Hajj season, so far, is reckoned an unprecedented success.”