Hajj Pilgrimage amidst covid-19 pandemic: a review

Abstract

Hajj pilgrimage is a nobligation for every Muslim that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime. Every year, more than 3 million pilgrims from over 180 countries travel to worship within a confined area of twelve kilometres in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The host country and participating countries need to institute effective measures for a safer and healthier Hajj pilgrimage. In the immediate Hajj season during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of pilgrims need to be reduced to the optimum number that can be managed individual countries’ Hajj missions. Beside proof COVID-19 clearance before travelling and completed Covid-19 vaccination, the stay in KSA should be shortened for Hajj ritual only. The participating countries responsible to thoroughly select individuals with low risk of severe infections, provide health education program, offer all compulsory and recommended vaccines and allocate adequate healthcare/isolation centres in KSA. The participating countries are also liable to prepare adequate quarantine places for hajj pilgrims when returning home. Individual pilgrims are responsible to prevent respiratory pathogens from spreading. Prior to departure for Hajj, they need to undergo a thorough medical examination, received all compulsory and recommended vaccines and follow health education program. During Hajj, they need to follow instructions by Hajj authorities, practicing proper hygiene, wearing a face mask and avoid crowded places. They also need to report to countries’ Hajj mission healthcare if having any fever or respiratory syndromes. With adequate measures prior, during and post-Hajj, we hope health security risk during the next Hajj seasons will be minimized.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(4) 2021 p.732-740

Framing Analysis of Hajj Departure Cancellation Policy During the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic that is currently surging around the world poses formidable challenges to a safe and successful Hajj journey due to its implications for public health. (Goni et al, 2021) Framing Analysis…”

Impact of a Health Education Intervention on the Incidence of Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) During Hajj via Smartphone Application

“…Also, a study among South African pilgrims reported circulating influenza strains in 9.4% of their returning pilgrims [ 8 ]. However, the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from Wuhan, China, in 2019 and its subsequent declaration as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in March 2020 garnered lots of attention, particularly for mass gatherings in addition to already existing concerns regarding respiratory tract infections generally [ 9 ]. This resulted in an international spread, causing a global pandemic that caused significant disruption of international travel leading to postponement and cancellations of Hajj and other major mass gatherings [ 10 ].…”

Hygiene and Health Coaching for Community Readiness to Perform the Hajj during an Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In 2017, the percentage of at-risk pilgrims group reached 63%, while those 51–60 years old composed 35.15%, those over 61 years old 23.95%, and those over 51 years old 59.1% [ 4 ]. The most common comorbidities among Indonesian pilgrims in the last 10 years are cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, hypertension, and malignancies [ 7 , 8 ].…”