Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it will hold a “very limited” Hajj this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, to ensure that the annual pilgrimage is performed in a “safe manner”.

“It was decided to hold the pilgrimage this year with very limited numbers … with different nationalities in the kingdom,” the official Saudi Press Agency said on Monday, citing the Hajj and Umrah Ministry.

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People already living in the kingdom will be allowed to take part in the pilgrimage that begins in late July and traditionally draws around 2 million Muslims from around the world.

The decision came in light of the spread of Coronavirus across the globe, the increase of the virus death toll, the lack of a vaccine and cure, and the difficulties of maintain safe social distancing among the individuals gathered.

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It followed weeks of consideration on whether Saudi Arabia would cancel the annual pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, which generates more than €5.3 million in revenue for the government.

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