The pilgrimage to Mecca, the hajj, has begun in Saudi Arabia. The Muslim shrine of the Kaaba is the center of the pilgrimage, and believers have to walk several circles around it. In 2020, it is not allowed to touch it.
Usually millions of people from all over the world visit Mecca, but in 2020 the authorities banned the visit due to the global pandemic COVID-19. Hajj can only be performed by citizens of Saudi Arabia, as well as foreigners who have previously arrived in the country and have not left its borders.
The maximum number of believers was recorded in 2012 - more than 3 million people. In 2020 there will be only about a thousand pilgrims.
In view of the need to maintain social distance, signs have been installed to prevent pilgrims from approaching one another. Markings have been placed on the floor of the world's largest al-Haram Mosque to help people keep their distance. Saudi Arabian police keep order on these important dates. After arriving in Mecca, worshippers must undergo quarantine measures, and upon their return from the Hajj, they are also subject to a two-week quarantine at their place of residence.
It should be noted that in the 19th century, the Hajj was already cancelled because of epidemiological diseases.
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