MAKKAH, July 29 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Pilgrims started off the first day of the Haj period performing the Ṭawaf al-Qudum (Tawaf of Arrival) at the
city’s Grand Mosque (Al Masjid al-Haram) today.
All rituals will be performed under strict health precautionary measures amid the ongoing virus pandemic situation.
The number of pilgrims for this year’s Haj has been dramatically reduced from last year’s 2.6 million to ensure the social distancing measures are adhered to due to COVID-19, a report by the Saudi Ministry of Media said.
The pilgrimage this year has been also limited to citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia, who meet preset conditions and have been subjected to quarantine procedures.
