Saudi Gazette report RIYADH – No MERS-coronavirus cases have been reported among Umrah pilgrims, the Ministry of Health announced on Monday. Dr. Khaled Merghalani, spokesman of the ministry, said in a statement that the health condition of Umrah pilgrims was fine and there were no cases of contagious diseases reported among them. He said that the ministry's Makkah branch is implementing a full-fledged plan to provide the best possible medical care for the pilgrims. “Under the direct follow up of the Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the branch has mobilized all its resources and facilities, including King Abdullah Medical City, seven hospitals, and several primary clinics to serve the pilgrims round the clock,” he said. Merghalani said that a total of 7,058 emergency cases involving Umrah pilgrims were referred to various hospitals in Makkah during the first 12 days of Ramadan and these included cases of sunstroke, fatigue and chronic diseases. Among them, 170 patients were hospitalized while others were reported to out-patient clinics. Earlier this month, the ministry issued health rules and regulations for Haj and Umrah pilgrims for the current year in the wake of an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). These included postponing Haj and Umrah rituals by those above the age of 65 as well as chronic patients, including those suffering from diseases of heart and kidney, and also those having respiratory problems. Pregnant women and children below the age of 12 were also discouraged from performing the rituals at least for the time being. Meanwhile, the agency under the Presidency for the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque started receiving online registration from the prospective worshipers who intend to perform itikaf in the Grand Mosque. The ritual of itikaf refers to the stay in a mosque for prayer and meditation, especially in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Abdul Wahid Al-Hetab, spokesman of the agency urged all those who want to perform the ritual to hasten to complete the registration procedures at its website. He alerted worshipers about the rules to be complied while performing this ritual, and that included keeping the mosque clean and tidy, and not to disturb other worshipers.
