RIYADH, 27 February 2020, TON: Saudi Arabia has restricted  travel to Holy Kaabah over fears about a viral epidemic. The move came as there were reports of over 245 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the neighbouring countries. In an official statement announcing the decision, Saudi Foreign Ministry said “We ask God Almighty to spare all humanity from all harm.”

The extraordinary decision by Saudi Arabia stops movement of foreigners from reaching holy city of Mecca and Medina. Otherwise those already in Mecca and suburbs have not been stopped from offering prayers five times a day and other rituals. The decision also affected travel to Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina.

In the neighbouring Iran, reportedly death toll from the virus has reached 22 dead and 142 confirmed cases. In Kuwait so far 43 cases have been reported while Bahrain confirmed 33 cases, all linked to travelers who recently came from Iran. In Iraq government has ordered schools and universities closed for 10 days. The government also ordered the closures of cinemas, cafes, clubs and other social gathering.