Hajj 2021: Role of mitigation measures for health security

Healthcare policies, precautionary measures and outcomes of mass gathering events in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: Expedited review

“…One notable strategy implemented during Hajj 2021 was the wide application of novel digital solutions for surveillance and reports, contact tracking, and risk communication [76] . The Hajj 2021 plan was supplemented by ensuring wide healthcare services coverage of all ritual sites and regular visits by healthcare personnel for suspected cases [77] .…”

“…Likewise, the expansion of the number of pilgrims during Hajj 2021 did not significantly increase the incidence rate of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia after the event; on the contrary, there was a notable reduction in the number of new cases in Saudi Arabia at the time of Hajj 2021. The strict application of precautionary measures, implementation of digital solutions for contact tracing, exclusion of international pilgrims, limiting the Hajj stay to compulsory rites only, and health education were significant contributors to the return of Hajj even to a wider scale [77] .…”

Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Practices Among Visitors to the Holy Masjid (Masjid Al-Haram) During the Month of Ramadan in 2023

“…Crowding and a variety of health risks, such as trauma and injury, can render MGs dangerous [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]. Additionally, the high concentration of people at specific locations for a set period increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including viral respiratory tract infections [ 3 , 4 , 8 ].…”

“…Crowding and a variety of health risks, such as trauma and injury, can render MGs dangerous [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]. Additionally, the high concentration of people at specific locations for a set period increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including viral respiratory tract infections [ 3 , 4 , 8 ]. To control and prevent pulmonary system infections during MG events, regularly practicing proper hand hygiene (HH) is highly advised [ 3 , 4 , 8 ].…”

“…Additionally, the high concentration of people at specific locations for a set period increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including viral respiratory tract infections [ 3 , 4 , 8 ]. To control and prevent pulmonary system infections during MG events, regularly practicing proper hand hygiene (HH) is highly advised [ 3 , 4 , 8 ]. Good HH practice is considered one of the most effective strategies to halt the spread of infectious diseases.…”