RIYADH – As a precautionary measure against the MERS-coronavirus that has claimed 38 lives in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Health has laid down health criteria for those coming for Umrah and Haj this season. The ministry urged old people, pregnant women, children and those afflicted with chronic diseases like heart problems, ailment related to the kidney and respiratory system and diabetes to postpone Umrah and Haj this year. Pilgrims should get vaccinated against meningitis 10 days before coming to the Kingdom and produce a certificate to this effect. They should also get vaccinated against seasonal influenza and polio. Meanwhile, health authorities in the UAE have announced that an 82-year-old man has been diagnosed with the MERS coronavirus infection, the first case to be recorded in the Gulf state. The Emirati citizen who contracted the SARS-like virus suffers from cancer and is being treated in hospital in Abu Dhabi. – SPA/SG
