The Ministry of Health has underlined the importance of using the face mask for protection from infectious diseases during Hajj, especially at overcrowded areas and for those with respiratory symptoms such as common cold and the likes. It advised health practitioners to use high filtration masks when dealing with the infections of some viruses and tuberculosis patients.
It advised the pilgrims to abide by means of protection against diseases, which include taking the required vaccination (the flu vaccination), personal hygiene, especially washing hand to avoid spread of viruses, paying attention to public health, using masks at overcrowded areas, for those with respiratory infection, avoiding your family members with respiratory symptoms, using tissues when coughing or sneezing, and in case a member of your camp is infected with an infectious disease, Allah forbids, you should notify the specialists, doctors or members of preventive medicine in the holy sites.
Within the same vein, the MOH recommended not to take any medications or antibiotics during Hajj without medical consultation, and to be protected against the infectious diseases which may cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea for pilgrims, pilgrims have to pay attention to the food quality and personal hygiene. In case of infection with these diseases, treatment should be on a case-by-case basis and according to a medical advice.
Moreover, it reiterated the importance of personal hygiene, cleanness of surrounding area, following up awareness guidelines and medical tips, avoiding close contact with infected persons or those having the symptoms and to see a doctor if symptoms appeared.
It confirmed that the pilgrims' safety is everyone responsibility, not shoulder by one person or one party, a responsibility shoulders by the pilgrim himself at first, but not limited to him, it is a comprehensive and integrated responsibility.
It is noteworthy that the MOH's medical tips come through the program dubbed: "Pilgrims' Health Is Our Top Concern", which is launched by the MOH's National Center for Information and Health Promotion, via the toll free number 8002494444 and the MOH's Twitter account: @saudimoh.