Swine Flu Impacts Haj and Haj Pilgrims
Posted on Aug 20, 2009 by Reena Daruwalla | Comments 0
Photo courtesy http://www.arabianbusiness.com
The Swine flu pandemic is spreading its tentacles all over the world and is also impacting the Middle East and in particular Saudi Arabia where people will now be heading during the month of Ramzan.
Business in the holy city of Mecca could be down by 40 percent in the coming month because of flu fears, as reported by AFP.
Saudi Arabia’s top cleric has said Muslims knowing they are infected with the H1N1 virus or other contagious diseases must refrain from going on pilgrimages and even attending mosques. “Whoever is aware of the contagious nature of his or her disease … must not go to gathering places so that he or she does not cause others harm,” Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Al Shaikh was reported as having said.
As of now, there have been 2000 people who have tested positive for the swine flu virus in Saudi Arabia and about 14 have reportedly died. The World Health Organization has also issued a recommendation that senior citizens, pregnant women and children under 12 should refrain for the Haj or Umrah this year. The government of India has however got the Saudi government to relax this requirement.
For those that want to proceed for Haj this year, many strict requirements put in place by the Saudi authorities will have to be met with:
- It will be compulsory for Haj pilgrims to have immunization to swine flu
- Even for other diseases like meningitis and chronic illness, vaccination certificates will be compulsory.
- The white passport or passes issued by the Haj Committee will not be enough, Haj pilgrims will be required to carry an international passport
The last date for application for the Haj passport is 31 August and the first flight for Haj will leave on 30 October.
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Posted in: Swine Flu News
