Umrah and COVID-19: Safety Tips and Precautions for Pilgrims
Umrah 2022 is different from the pilgrimages of previous years. According to the latest COVID-19 regulations issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, only 60,000 pilgrims have completed Hajj 2021. Let’s see the impact of COVID-19 on Umrah. The pandemic has affected and changed these pilgrimages, as well as how Makkah is ready to welcome many pilgrims worldwide.
Pilgrims come to Mecca to make the pilgrimage at any time of the year, known as “Umrah.” While ‘Hajj’ takes place on fixed days according to the Islamic calendar once a year. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Umrah pilgrimage was performed by nearly 19 million pilgrims each year. For the ‘Hajj,’ about 2.5 million Muslims have come to Mecca. However, in 2021, only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens will be allowed to perform Hajj due to the adverse effects of the pandemic. According to sources, only 1000 people perform Hajj. The pilgrimage is open to residents of Saudi Arabia only.
Considering the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak, ‘Umrah’ and ‘Hajj’ seem unlikely. However, Saudi Arabia has handled the pandemic and the pilgrimages during the pandemic quite effectively. As a result, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a lower death rate than many other countries and keeps social disruption to a minimum. Furthermore, the meticulous management of the Hajj and Umrah Ministries has enabled Muslims to make the pilgrimage and take the utmost precautions to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
VACCINATIONS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE TRAVELING
With millions of people from different countries worldwide coming together to fulfill their Hajj obligations, there is a high chance that COVID-19 (and other diseases) will spread.
Here is a list of mandatory vaccinations for pilgrims in Pakistan:
Other vaccines are also recommended by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, such as those for hepatitis A and B, pneumonia, typhoid, and tetanus.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL FOR UMRAH 2023
Compared to two years ago, the Saudi government has significantly relaxed Umrah rituals. Under the new policy, pilgrims must present a negative PCR test report three days before their flight. In addition, they must have a valid vaccination certificate in digital form to facilitate the process during flights.
Pilgrims must wear masks throughout their journey and stay in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. However, the organizers can choose to wear masks or not.
PROTOCOLS TO FOLLOW DURING STAY IN THE HOLY CITIES
During the Umrah pilgrimage, the following safety measures should be in place:
Tips for staying healthy during the Umrah. pilgrimage
HERE ARE SOME ESSENTIAL TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING THE UMRAH PILGRIMAGE:
TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO PREVENT FOOD POISONING
One important thing to take care of during Umrah is your food. Always eat at restaurants with proper hygiene practices. Avoid street vendors, especially if you are sensitive to foreign foods. Contact your team leader if you need more support during your trip.
Food poisoning is one of the most common health problems pilgrims face during their stay. Make better food choices and eat in moderation. It is best to consult a dietician and have a diet tailored to each individual.
Your diet should include wholegrain slices of bread and oats, raw and steamed vegetables, fresh fruit, skinless chicken, fish, low-fat dairy products, raw nuts, and seeds of olive oil. These will protect your stomach from infection.
DRINK A LOT OF WATER
Umrah is an extreme and very difficult exercise. Second, Saudi Arabia is largely desert, and the temperatures are extreme in the summer. You can face serious dehydration problems or even heatstroke if you are not careful.
Since Umrah packages 2023 are now booking so one of the hottest months of the year, it helps a lot to keep yourself hydrated.
Ideally, you should consume about 10 to 12 glasses of water daily. Try drinking bottled water or drinking directly from Zamzam containers. Take good care of your hygiene.
Hygiene should be handled by frequent hand washing with soap or an appropriate disinfectant. Hands are the main source of virus and bacteria transmission, so keeping your hands clean is essential.
Avoid direct contact with others. Wash your hands before preparing food and eating. Always carry a tissue with you. Since pilgrims must shave their heads or cut their hair during the Umrah, they must ensure that the hairdresser uses a disposable razor or properly disinfects the tools before use.
Also, take good care of your teeth to stay healthy and safe during Umrah.
BRING ESSENTIAL MEDICINE | STAY HEALTHY DURING THE UMRAH PILGRIMAGE
If you have health problems, you should carry essential medicines with you. These could be medicines you regularly take due to illness or discomfort or medicines you plan to take in an emergency.
In addition to maintaining healthy eating habits during the Umrah, pilgrims should also consider taking supplements containing vitamins B, C, D, calcium, and magnesium as part of their regimen. Their diet will boost their energy and boost their immunity. However, consult your doctor before taking a multivitamin or any other medication.
DO NOT OVEREXERT YOURSELF
Umrah requires a lot of walking and other physical activities. Therefore, avoiding overwork is important as it can cause health problems.
Heart attacks and other similar problems are the most common cause of death for Umrah pilgrims because they are overworked.
All you need to do is take your medicine regularly and take short breaks when possible. Also, although medical facilities are difficult to find during the Umrah, pilgrims should seek medical or medical attention if they notice any health problems.
ALWAYS STICK WITH THE GROUP
Try to stay in touch with the members of the group you’re traveling with. You must follow crowd control instructions and signs. In addition, you should always carry your ID with you. It will help you communicate with guards and other support staff. Avoid crowded areas
On average, two million people around the world perform Umrah every year.
Try to avoid crowded areas and perform rituals during off-peak times.
