Saudi Arabia Makes Wearing Masks Mandatory for Umrah Pilgrims After New COVID-19 Cases Rise

JEDDAH – The Public Security Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has advised Umrah pilgrims to continue wearing masks while visiting the holy sites.

The agency issued the safety advisory after the sudden global rise of the new deadly COVID-19 strain, which is spreading worldwide.

Last week, WHO (World Health Organization) said last week that they are keeping track of the new strain of coronavirus which has already affected 1.5 million people from July 10 to August 6, which shows an 80% increase in cases in the previous 28 days.

Tedros urged all countries to report Covid-19 data, particularly on deaths, severe disease, genetics and vaccine efficacy.

Saudi issues Covid face mask advice

EG.5, also known as Eris, is a sublineage of the omicron variant. According to an initial risk assessment, it has been detected in 51 countries, including the United States, China, South Korea and Japan.

While the overall risk is low, “based on its genetic characteristics, immune escape properties, and estimates of its growth rate, EG.5 has the potential to spread globally and contribute to an increase in the incidence of cases”.

To protect their health and the health of others, Saudi security officials have advised Umrah pilgrims to wear face masks while in Saudi Arabia.

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