Saudi Arabia has said all Haj Pilgrims for 2021 must be vaccinated before traveling to Mecca. The pilgrimage usually attracts over two million worshippers from around the world but has been impacted by COVID-19.  Last year, Saudi restricted Haj to visitors within the country and reduced capacity to a fraction of usual levels.

Vaccines key

The Haj Pilgrimage of 2021 will be from July 17th to 22nd. However, COVID-19 concerns could once again curb mass attendance that is usually seen in Mecca. Social distancing guidelines mean most places cannot accommodate the two million who arrive every year.

To begin planning for Haj in 2021, Saudi Arabia has said that vaccinations will be “the main condition for participation,” according to Khaleej Times. This condition will likely help in reducing the number of people who are eligible to attend this year. However, there is currently no way to establish how many of those wishing to go will also be vaccinated.

Source Credit: Simple Flying