Saudi Arabia to host "very limited" Hajj due to coronavirus concerns

• "This decision was taken to ensure hajj is performed in a safe manner from a public health perspective," government officials said.
• The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islamic faith, and all able-bodied Muslims are required to complete the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

Between the lines: Saudi Arabia is a hotbed for the virus in the Middle East, with approximately 161,000 total confirmed cases and more than 1,300 deaths.

• The country earlier this year suspended the smaller year-round umrah pilgrimage and closed the Grand Mosque in Mecca to curb the virus' spread.
• Saudi Arabia has recently eased some of its coronavirus restrictions but continues to keep its borders shut to visitors.