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First Published: 2013-07-25
Saudi reduces number of hajj pilgrims by half
MERS Virus fears, construction in Mecca work have forces Saudi authorities to downsize number of pilgrims.
Middle East Online
By Abdul Hadi HABTOR - JEDDAH
Fears of an outbreak of the deadly MERS virus in Saudi Arabia and construction in the holy city of Mecca have forced cuts in the numbers of pilgrims permitted to perform this year's hajj.
Millions of Muslims during the annual pilgrimage head to Mecca and Medina, Islam's two holiest sites, providing a possible means for MERS to spread around the globe as pilgrims who may become infected return to their home countries.
Fearful of such a scenario, the authorities have reduced by half the number of pilgrims coming from within Saudi Arabia, and by about 20 percent those from abroad.
"This is an exceptional and temporary decision," Hajj Minister Bandar Hajjar announced last month.
...
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=60335
Saudi reduces number of hajj pilgrims by half
MERS Virus fears, construction in Mecca work have forces Saudi authorities to downsize number of pilgrims.
Middle East Online
By Abdul Hadi HABTOR - JEDDAH
Fears of an outbreak of the deadly MERS virus in Saudi Arabia and construction in the holy city of Mecca have forced cuts in the numbers of pilgrims permitted to perform this year's hajj.
Millions of Muslims during the annual pilgrimage head to Mecca and Medina, Islam's two holiest sites, providing a possible means for MERS to spread around the globe as pilgrims who may become infected return to their home countries.
Fearful of such a scenario, the authorities have reduced by half the number of pilgrims coming from within Saudi Arabia, and by about 20 percent those from abroad.
"This is an exceptional and temporary decision," Hajj Minister Bandar Hajjar announced last month.
...
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=60335
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