Vaccinated pilgrims gathered on Sunday to perform Hajj rituals as the pandemic forced Saudi authorities to prevent the entry of foreign pilgrims for the second consecutive year, while also imposing restrictions on those within the Kingdom. Approximately 60,000 citizens and residents are undertaking the obligatory pilgrimage, which is required at least once in a lifetime for every able Muslim, compared to about 2.5 million in 2019. A Palestinian pilgrim stated, "I ask God to eliminate the coronavirus that has made us very afraid and has made the situation very difficult."
Last year, the Kingdom allowed only a few thousand to perform Hajj. Given that the coronavirus pandemic is a major concern this year, authorities have imposed regulations that permit pilgrimage for those aged 18 to 65 who have completed their vaccination doses against the virus and do not suffer from chronic diseases.
Robots are being used to disinfect the Grand Mosque in Mecca and its courtyard, as well as to distribute Zamzam water bottles, to minimize interaction and ensure physical distancing among the pilgrims. Thermal cameras have been installed at the entrances of the Grand Mosque to monitor people's temperatures, and around 3,000 electric carts have been provided for pilgrims, who also wear electronic wristbands connected to GPS.
Since Saturday, small groups of pilgrims have been circling the Kaaba while wearing masks, as health specialists monitor their movements. Approximately 500 volunteers are available to provide medical assistance, and 62 screens have been installed to broadcast awareness messages in various languages. Over the years, the Kingdom has spent billions of dollars to make one of the largest religious gatherings in the world safer. Hajj is a major source of income for the Kingdom, generated by what pilgrims spend on accommodation, transportation, gifts, and more.
