Muslim pilgrims vaccinated against COVID-19 gathered on Sunday for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, which has barred worshippers from abroad for a second year running due to the pandemic and has also restricted entry from inside the kingdom. "I ask God to end the coronavirus, it made us very scared and made the situation very difficult," said Palestinian pilgrim Hassan Jabari. Thermal cameras at entrances to the Grand Mosque monitor people's temperatures. Around 3,000 electric carts have been provided for pilgrims, who also wear electronic identification bracelets connected to GPS. It is a major revenue earner for Saudi Arabia from worshippers' lodging, transport, fees and gifts.

Source: Mint July 18, 2021 13:41 UTC