The rituals of pilgrimage began today, Wednesday, as pilgrims of the house of God went from Mecca to Mina after the dawn prayer in what is known as "the day of perfusion", in light of unprecedented precautions that hang over the ghost of the new Corona virus.
The pilgrims stay overnight in Mina, before heading, after Thursday morning prayers, to Arafat.
After a selection process by the Saudi authorities, about 10 thousand residents of the Kingdom participate in the rites - which continue over 5 days - compared to the 2.5 million Muslims who attended last year.
Each pilgrim was provided with a set of tools and supplies, including medical and sterile Ihram, stone pebbles, masks, carpet and umbrella, according to the authorities ’Hajj Pilgrim booklet, while Hajjaj stated that they were asked to put a bracelet to determine their movements.
The proportion of non-Saudis residing in the Kingdom is set at 70% of the total pilgrims this year, and the proportion of Saudis is only 30%, who are health practitioners and security men recovering from the virus.
Pilgrims underwent testing of the new Corona virus before they arrived in Mecca, and they will also have to quarantine after the pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it has set up several health facilities and mobile clinics, and equipped ambulances to meet the needs of pilgrims who will be required to adhere to physical separation.