Pilgrims to Muslim Holy Sites Risk Spreading Coronavirus

Religious pilgrimages and ceremonies in the Middle East have emerged as a dangerous new risk in the spread of coronavirus in the region, as Iran fights to contain the deadly epidemic and Saudi Arabia restricted access to two of Islam’s holiest sites.

Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia suspends entry for pilgrims visiting holy sites

Visitors to the major holy sites of Mecca and Medina are barred in the fight against the virus.

Whistleblower Says Federal Employees Flown From Coronavirus Sites Didn’t Follow Safety Protocols

A whistleblower alleges that some federal employees were sent to work at coronavirus quarantine sites in California without adequate safety protocols and then flew home on commercial airplanes, according to a person familiar with the complaint against the Department of Health and Human Services.

Religious Sites in the Spotlight as Coronavirus Spreads in the Middle East

As Iran fights to contain the coronavirus epidemic, governments including Saudi Arabia and Iraq are closing some of the world's largest religious sites and canceling prayers. Here's why countries in the Middle East are particularly concerned. Photo: Ganoo Essa/Reuters

South Korea reported a record 800 new cases of coronavirus in a single day — and the vast majority are linked to a religious cult

Vice health minister Kim Kang-lip told a briefing that it was a "critical moment" in the country's COVID-19 crisis.

Seoul mayor sues South Korea religious group for 'murder' and 'injury' over spike in coronavirus cases

Seoul City Mayor Park Won-soon said he was suing the Shincheonji leaders "for murder, injury and violation of prevention and management of infectious diseases."

The Leader Of The Religious Sect That Spread Coronavirus In South Korea Says Sorry

Self-professed messiah Lee Man-hee bowed twice at a rare public press conference. More than half of South Korea's 4,000 coronavirus cases are linked to his church.

Thousands of Muslims may not be able to visit holy sites in Saudi Arabia because of coronavirus

'Unprecedented': Saudi Arabia bans pilgrimage to holy sites as coronavirus spreads

Saudi Arabia bans pilgrim visits to holy sites amid coronavirus fears

Saudi Arabia Suspends Pilgrimages to Mecca and Other Holy Sites in Effort to Stop Coronavirus

Egypt's famous sites lit up in solidarity with China against COVID-19

Coronavirus continues global spread; 'America loves India'; Israel strikes sites in Gaza and Syria

Holy Land sites remain open despite coronavirus concerns

As coronavirus spreads Holy Land Catholics concerned but sites still open

Coronavirus prompts Saudi Arabia to limit travel to holy sites – months ahead of hajj pilgrimage

Coronavirus: UAE's religious sites take precautionary measures against Covid-19

Coronavirus: Agra Hotels Tourists Sites Asked to Report Arrival of Visitors from Italy Iran China

'Feel free to bump elbows': Congregations alter religious practices amid coronavirus concerns

Houses of worship across the country are encouraging celebrants to bump elbows instead of shake hands, altering Communion practices and recalling missionaries from overseas amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia Expands Curbs on Religious Pilgrimage to Citizens

Saudi Arabia took the unprecedented step of suspending the Umrah religious pilgrimage for its citizens and residents, saying it wanted to prevent the coronavirus from spreading through the “intense flow” of crowds to holy sites.

Saudi Arabia bans travel to pilgrimage sites Mecca Medina due to coronavirus

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday issued a temporary ban against Islamic religious pilgrimages to Mecca and a holy site in Medina, a measure to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

Coronavirus: WNY manufacturers say it's business as usual at their international sites

Mamata also demanded a judiciary inquiry into the Delhi riots by a sitting Supreme Court judge, claiming over 700 people might be missing.

Saudi risks fallout with coronavirus curbs on holy sites

Saudi Arabia is treading a tightrope as it bars Muslim pilgrims from Islam's holiest sites to contain the coronavirus, rolling out restrictions that while essential could prove both expensive and politically perilous. The kingdom has suspended the "umrah" year-round pilgrimage over fears of the disease spreading to Mecca and Medina, raising uncertainty over the upcoming hajj -- a key pillar of Islam. The pilgrimages, which pack millions of...

Middle East: Palestine shuts down schools and religious buildings Iraq death toll rises to two

Public buildings including schools, colleges, mosques and churches in the biblical city of Bethlehem will be closed for the next 14 days as concerns about coronavirus in the region grow.

Saudi Arabia risks fallout with coronavirus curbs on holy sites

Coronavirus fears impact religious gatherings and practices across the world

Fears that the coronavirus will spread due to religious practices have impacted religious gatherings and practices across the world.