JEDDAH: For the first time, the Ministry of Haj has banned all campaigns from organizing visits to camel barns and stockades.

Pilgrims, especially those coming to the Kingdom for the first time, arrange visits and activities at archaeological and historical tourist sites in Makkah and Madinah.

The government directive comes after the authorities designated camels as the “main source” of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) following “scientific evidence.”

The Ministry of Health confirmed camels are not permitted to enter or be present at any Haj site or surrounding area for any reason and are banned from being used for sacrifice.

Since 2012, 1,240 coronavirus cases have been reported. Of them, 664 have been cured, 52 are undergoing treatment and/or are isolated in their homes. Five hundred and twenty-four people have died.