Hajj pilgrims maintain perfect social distancing while circumambulating Kaaba; leave netizens astounded

This year, due to the raging global health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic outbreak, only people residing in Saudi Arabia have been allowed to attend the annual auspicious Hajj pilgrimage. Hajj began on July 28 and will end on August 2 this year.

In a photograph that has gone viral on the internet, the Hajj pilgrims can be seen maintaining perfect social distancing while circumambulating the Kaaba. The collective discipline of the Muslim pilgrims at the holy site has left netizens astounded.

Unbelievable scenes from Mecca today! Historic Hajj amid the threat of coronavirus. @AFP has amazing colorful photos on a very, very sunny day! pic.twitter.com/0RvTVwGWtd

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— Mohamad Ali Harissi (@aleeharissi) July 29, 2020

I find them quite haunting. Having seen images year after year of literally thousands of people doing exactly this, to see these photos is really quite sobering. I think these are the comparison images that really bring home the reality of the situation

— Atif ن‎ (@eytif) July 30, 2020

finally some modern order tidiness and peace came to hajj by the courtesy of coronavirus. corona the civilization bringer. this should be the hajj from the beginning : ) a norwegian regular time social distancing level..

— kent errata (@KentErrata) July 29, 2020

Looks better. Havent people died from being trampled there? I think social distancing is a godsend

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— keylime (@6ftmask) July 29, 2020

This looks like a more sensible way. Not packed in so tight you could get crushed at any moment.

— Clayton LaPlant (@clayton988) July 29, 2020

The report further mentions that only small groups of 50 pilgrims at a time were allowed near the Kaaba. Each of them could be seen wearing masks while also keeping a safe distance from each other. Their movements were constantly monitored by a health professional.

Furthermore, 35,00 workers are on duty to keep the Grand Mosque sanitised. More than 50,000 litres of disinfectant and 1,050 litres of air fresheners are being used daily to keep the premises clean. The floors are also being cleaned 10 times every day.

Follow our coverage of the coronavirus crisis here