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. 2020 Mar-Apr:34:101631.
doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101631. Epub 2020 Mar 14.

The cancellation of mass gatherings (MGs)? Decision making in the time of COVID-19

Qanta A Ahmed  1 , Ziad A Memish  2
Affiliations

The cancellation of mass gatherings (MGs)? Decision making in the time of COVID-19

Qanta A Ahmed et al. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2020 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Our recommendation, as experts who have monitored health hazards at the Hajj for over 15 years, especially if the situation with COVID-19 continues to escalate globally is that Hajj 2020 will be at risk of being suspended and a means for Muslims to fulfill their rights in the future either personally or even by proxy need to be announced. The same holds true for the Summer 2020 Olympics in Japan and for many other MGs and large gatherings. Decisions in the time of COVID-19 will be closely followed and will be a blueprint for other mass gatherings.

Keywords: COVID-19; Hajj; Mass gathering; Olympics; SARS-CoV-2; Umrah.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A. Unique Areal picture of the Kaaba in Grand Mosque in Mecca during the process of disinfection B. Usual crowded Kaaba in Grand Mosque in Mecca.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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