One dose of COVID-19 is a must for Hajj pilgrims: Minister

RIYADH — Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah stressed that vaccination, even with one dose, is a requirement for performing this year's Hajj.

Attending the periodic government communication briefing here on Saturday, Al-Rabiah confirmed that the e-system in the Kingdom accurately registers all those vaccinated with no possibility of counterfeit certificates.

"Three hospitals have been equipped with increased capacity in Makkah," he said.

Al-Rabiah said a limited number of pilgrims would guarantee their safety and that of others.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdul Fattah Mashat said limiting Hajj performance to only 60000 citizens and residents of the Kingdom will curb the spread of the virus in Saudi Arabia and the pilgrims' countries should they visit after the pilgrimage.

"Hajj rituals take place in specific places and at specific times with a restricted number of immune pilgrims and that will be limiting all chances of any spread," he added.

"The highest standards for the application of health procedures will be strictly implemented."

He explained that the priority for Hajj this year is for those who have not previously performed Hajj within the specified conditions.