COVID-19 incidence among the pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season was limited to 38 individual cases, which were swiftly managed in accordance with health protocols.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The implementation of the 1443 Hijri/2022 hajj pilgrimage has faced a number of challenges as this year is the first time that the fifth Pillar of Islam welcomes Muslims around the globe after two years of being restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of the Makkah Region and president of the Central Hajj Committee, said this year’s Hajj season, which welcomed around one million pilgrims for the first time after two years of COVID-19 restrictions, has been successful.

“I am pleased to announce that this year’s pilgrimage has been successful on the security, services and health fronts,” Prince Khalid recently said in a report from state news agency SPA.

There have been no recorded accidents, infections or disease outbreaks during the pilgrimage, he added.

Prince Khalid attributed the success to the extensive financial support, projects and staff that the government dedicated to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj for pilgrims.

He praised the efforts of the security personnel and medical staffs in serving pilgrims coming from all over the world.

Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel meanwhile said COVID-19 incidence among the pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season was limited to 38 individual cases, which were swiftly managed in accordance with health protocols.

Citing a successful health plan laid out by the authorities, Al-Jalajel also confirmed no disease outbreaks among the pilgrims.

He noted that more than 230 health facilities provided specialized medical services to the pilgrims across the holy sites. Over 25,000 health practitioners and 2,000 volunteers also served 130,000 pilgrims.

During the Hajj season, medical personnel performed 10 open heart surgeries and conducted more than 187 cardiac catheterizations and 447 kidney dialyses, according to the health minister.

Seha Virtual Hospital served over 2,000 pilgrims.

Al-Jalajel praised the role of the medical staffs and their full coordination of services that ensured safe Hajj pilgrimage.

Reporting by Indonesia Window