Pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah during Ramadan this year will not have to be vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
While answering a query about vaccinations on Twitter, the ministry’s customer service center account said that inoculations are not a requirement yet to get permission for Umrah during Ramadan.
However, the ministry earlier this week issued a circular that requires sectors operating in Hajj and Umrah-related services to vaccinate their entire staff before Ramadan starts on April 12. Workers not vaccinated must provide proof of a negative PCR test result, renewed every seven days at the facility’s expense.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing said that it will intensify inspection tours during Ramadan at gathering places to ensure social distancing.
Authorities have shut down 11 mosques in six regions around the Kingdom after 11 cases of COVID-19 were reported among worshippers.
Source: Arab News
