British Muslims Banned from traveling to Saudi Arabia Hajj pilgrimage due to fears over the Coronavirus

Saudi Arabia has banned religious pilgrims from visiting Mecca or Medina to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Kingdom. This includes thousands of Uk Muslims who make the religious pilgrimage every year.

The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey and can support their family during their absence

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom stated that they had been following developments of the virus for some time.

In order to support countries impacted by the virus, it said the Kingdom would be implementing ‘approved international standards’ in the form of a temporary ban on pilgrimages.

It has temporarily suspended entry into the Kingdom for the purpose of Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque.

How the virus has affected the Uk Sport

Ireland’s rugby match against Italy on Saturday was postponed today amid fears Italian fans could bring the virus to Dublin – but England’s Six Nations fixture in Rome on March 14 is still going ahead.

England’s FA is holding urgent talks today about whether it is safe to host Italy’s football team for a Wembley friendly on March 27.

This is while several businesses today in the UK also sent staff home over fears that employees could be carrying the virus.