For his part, Minister of Health, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah indicated that COVID-19 is still recording high numbers in many countries, as the total number of infected people reached nearly 8 million in more than 188 countries. He pointed out that despite the accelerated international efforts to find a vaccine or treatment, and studies that have reached advanced stages needing several months until the production and distribution of this vaccine, COVID-19 is still classified as a global pandemic therefore many countries have tightened health precautions, and based on the keenness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the safety of Muslims around the world this decision was taken. He indicated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has developed a health plan and strict procedures to follow up on pilgrims this year, beginning before they reach the holy sites, where they will be tested to ensure that they are not infected with the virus, including all those who are serving pilgrims as health professionals, security personnel and workers in the holy sites. Pilgrims also must be less than 65 years old and do not have chronic diseases and they will home quarantined after the end of Hajj. The Minister of Health pointed to the provision of medical teams accompanying pilgrims throughout the rituals, ambulances, the allocation of a hospital in case of any emergency, and a health center in Arafat. He reiterated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which puts human health first will continue its efforts to maintain global health security. --SPA 15:19 LOCAL TIME 12:19 GMT 0016 www.spa.gov.sa/w1355908