Touching Kaaba to be banned during this year’s Hajj

Touching the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, will be banned during the hajj of this year.

A social distancing space of a meter and a half between each pilgrim during the rituals including mass prayers and while in the Kaaba circling area will be imposed.

The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) of Saudi Arabia came up with the instruction in a statement that includes health protocols to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in the 2020 hajj, reports Reuters citing Saudi state news agency on Monday.

Saudi Arabia decided in June to limit the number of domestic pilgrims attending the haj to around 1,000 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, after barring Muslims abroad from the rite for the first year in modern times.

Also, access to holy haj sites at Mona, Muzdalifah and Arafat will be limited to those with haj permits starting Sunday July 19 till Aug. 2 2020, and wearing masks all the time will be mandatory for both pilgrims and organisers.