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Thousands of Muslims May Not Be Able to Visit Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia Because of Coronavirus

posted on March 3, 2020

The Washington Post’s Sarah Pulliam Bailey reports that the coronavirus outbreak has caused Saudi Arabia to suspend entry for certain religious pilgrimages, in which Muslims visit Mecca and other holy sites. “These trips are especially popular during the month of Ramadan, which starts in April,” Pulliam Bailey writes. She adds, “It is unclear when the country’s restrictions will be lifted or how they could affect hajj, during which millions of Muslims mingle in tight quarters for several days and sleep in tents.” While Saudi Arabia has no documented cases of coronavirus, neighboring country Iran has reported more than 200.

Read at The Washington Post