Saudi Arabia has banned Muslims from outside the kingdom from performing the annual hajj pilgrimage this year in an attempt to control the spread of coronavirus. But the pilgrimage ban marks the first time in Saudi Arabia's recent history that Muslims outside the kingdom have been barred from performing the hajj, which last year drew 2.5 million people. The decision comes as Saudi Arabia grapples to contain a major spike in infections, which have now risen to more than 161,000 cases - the highest in the Gulf - and over 1,300 deaths. But despite the surge, Saudi Arabia on Sunday moved to end a coronavirus curfew across the kingdom and lift restrictions on businesses, including cinemas and other entertainment venues. But the decision still risks annoying hardline Muslims outside the kingdom for whom religion trumps health concerns.

Source: Daily Mail June 23, 2020 07:44 UTC