KUWAIT CITY, June 11: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health issued Saturday guidelines for pilgrims of the upcoming Hajj season (1444 AH-2023 AD). In its guidelines, the ministry said that pilgrims must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, meningitis, bacterial pneumonia and seasonal influenza at least 10 days before heading for Hajj and urged pilgrims to carry their vaccination certificates during their trip.

It called on pilgrims, who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, etc, to consult their doctors before traveling and take with them a sufficient amount of their medicines and detailed and up-to-date reports of their health condition including information about their health problems, medicines and their prescribed doses.

It advised pilgrims to don face masks, use tissues when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands with soap, water, and disinfectants during their spiritual journey to prevent respiratory infection. Pilgrims are also asked to avoid touching their eyes, mouths, or noses with their hands, and avoid direct contact with those who show symptoms of illness.

The ministry encouraged pilgrims to drink large quantities of water, liquids, and juices and to eat water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables in order to avoid dehydration as well as avoid direct exposure to the sun, heat, and crowding. It called on the pilgrims to adhere to the precautionary measures and instructions issued by the relevant Saudi authorities to preserve their health and safety.(KUNA)