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Saudi Arabia said Tuesday it will allow a drastically scaled-back Haj pilgrimage for around 1,000 pilgrims already present in the kingdom, as it battles a coronavirus surge.
The decision to exclude pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia, a first in the kingdom's modern history, sparked disappointment among Muslims worldwide even as many accepted it was necessary due to the health risks involved.
Also read: UAE backs decision to hold 'limited Haj', will skip participation
The reduced number is a far cry from the 2.5 million who attended the five-day ritual last year, and it remains unclear what the selection process will be for this year's Haj, scheduled for the end of July.
"The number of pilgrims will be around 1,000, maybe less, maybe a little more," Haj Minister Mohammad Benten told reporters in Riyadh.
"The number won't be in tens or hundreds of thousands" this year, he added.
The pilgrimage will be limited this year to those below 65 years of age and with no chronic illnesses, Health Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah said.
The pilgrims will be tested for coronavirus before arriving in the holy city of Makkah and required to quarantine at home after the ritual, Rabiah added.
He said Saudi Arabia is capable of ensuring pilgrims' safety this year.
"The health ministry has accumulated experience in the service of pilgrims, and thus has enough human and technical capacities to serve pilgrims and preserve their health," he said.
He added that an integrated hospital at holy sites will be provided, along with a health centre in Arafat in case of emergencies during Haj.
Medical cadres will also accompany pilgrims throughout their journey.
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