COVID-19 – Hajj health workers must receive vaccines

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Saudi government obliges health workers    participating in the hajj season 1442 Hijr/2021 to have vaccinations, Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has said.

“You must prepare early to secure the manpower required to operate the health facilities in Makkah, the holy sites and Madinah, and the entry points for pilgrims for the 2021 Hajj season,” he said in an official circular, Arab News reported.

“A vaccination committee must be formed for the hajj and umroh (the minor hajj) season, on which they have adopted the compulsory reception of the COVID-19 vaccine for participating healthcare workers,” he added.

Meanwhile, Health Ministry spokesperson Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly told a press conference on Tuesday (March 2) that quarantine is not required after contact with someone who has been vaccinated and completed immunization.

“Anyone who received the vaccine and passed two to three weeks after completing the vaccination is not required to quarantine after getting into contact with an infected person,” Al-Aly said.

The epidemic curve of the COVID-19 infections is going through a ‘fluctuating’ phase, he said, adding that the authorities are watching it carefully.

The Saudi Health Ministry has declared March 2 of each year the Health Martyr Day in recognition of the significant role played by the healthcare heroes, who devoted their lives to their work and people’s health.

The ministry will also provide psychological and social support for their families.

Saudis and expats in the kingdom continue to receive their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 885,411 people having been inoculated.

Reporting by Indonesia Window