Bahrain is the first country to officially act to discourage its citizens from taking part in this year’s Haj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Citing the appearance of four new cases of swine flu, the country’s authorities apparently believe that an epidemic is too likely a possibility to risk the public health. The UAE’s Gulf News reports:
Bahrainis urged to postpone Haj plans as 4 new swine flu cases reported
Manama: Bahraini head of the medical Haj committee Dr. Ali Al Baqara has urged nationals and residents of the country to postpone their Haj plans for this year – especially pregnant women, children and the elderly, because of the swine flu, the local Arabic daily Al Ayyam.
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UPDATE: Agence France Press (AFP) reports that Oman is restricting who can travel to Saudi Arabia as well:
Oman restricts Saudi pilgrimage amid swine flu fears
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July:06:2009 - 14:54
[...] See the original post: Bahrain Urges Pilgrim to Postpone Haj Travel | Crossroads Arabia [...]
July:06:2009 - 14:58
This policy is good but not the most effective method to prevent the spread of Swine Flu. Those who are natives of Gulf must go through medical check/shots before entering the Kingdom. KSA has got a quota of how many people from each country enter the Kingdom for the Haj.I think Bahrain should way in consideration that other countries do not have such medical screening, which culd be harmful for Bahrain.