DAMMAM: Haj and Umrah agencies are carrying medical tests on the Umrah pilgrims to make it sure that they have no viral infection while coming to the Kingdom.
The precautions are being taken in light of 34 new reported cases of MERS in the past two weeks.
If a visitor is found infected with any virus or having such symptoms, their applications will be rejected until it is confirmed they are free from any contagious illnesses.
Haj and Umrah services firms emphasized they will urge them to undergo “medical testing and reports if necessary, even if no official directive has been issued to do so, as all instructions from the Ministry of Haj and Umrah stress the need to maintain the safety of Umrah visitors and avoid the spread of any illnesses such as MERS.”
Abdul Salam Hilmy, director of a Haj and Umrah office, said “if any Umrah visitor is found to be infected with contagious illness, the ministry will take appropriate actions that may include closing down the establishment because the instructions clearly stipulate the need to ensure the safety of all Umrah visitors.”
“In case of suspecting illness upon return, the designated hotline for MERS must be informed to address the case and transfer it to specialized authorities for confirmation.”
He said the ministry has instructed all Haj and Umrah offices and involved parties to ensure compliance with safety, hygiene and preventative measures, as per the directions.
Barakat Adel, who supervises Haj and Umrah trips, said “some Haj and Umrah companies require their clients to undergo medical testing if they suspect cases of MERS or other illnesses, and individuals with respiratory illnesses or seasonal flus or infections are rejected until proven via medial records.”
The ministry said the total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the virus reached 1,209 cases, of which 614 have fully recovered, 67 are still undergoing treatment, and 14 are currently under isolation.
The command and control center at the Ministry of Health is working around the clock to apply all necessary prevention and control measures to contain the virus, and is coordinating with other concerned government agencies and international organizations in this regard.
The precautions are being taken in light of 34 new reported cases of MERS in the past two weeks.
If a visitor is found infected with any virus or having such symptoms, their applications will be rejected until it is confirmed they are free from any contagious illnesses.
Haj and Umrah services firms emphasized they will urge them to undergo “medical testing and reports if necessary, even if no official directive has been issued to do so, as all instructions from the Ministry of Haj and Umrah stress the need to maintain the safety of Umrah visitors and avoid the spread of any illnesses such as MERS.”
Abdul Salam Hilmy, director of a Haj and Umrah office, said “if any Umrah visitor is found to be infected with contagious illness, the ministry will take appropriate actions that may include closing down the establishment because the instructions clearly stipulate the need to ensure the safety of all Umrah visitors.”
“In case of suspecting illness upon return, the designated hotline for MERS must be informed to address the case and transfer it to specialized authorities for confirmation.”
He said the ministry has instructed all Haj and Umrah offices and involved parties to ensure compliance with safety, hygiene and preventative measures, as per the directions.
Barakat Adel, who supervises Haj and Umrah trips, said “some Haj and Umrah companies require their clients to undergo medical testing if they suspect cases of MERS or other illnesses, and individuals with respiratory illnesses or seasonal flus or infections are rejected until proven via medial records.”
The ministry said the total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the virus reached 1,209 cases, of which 614 have fully recovered, 67 are still undergoing treatment, and 14 are currently under isolation.
The command and control center at the Ministry of Health is working around the clock to apply all necessary prevention and control measures to contain the virus, and is coordinating with other concerned government agencies and international organizations in this regard.
