Hajj minister tells Muslims to delay plans

A senior Saudi official urged more than 1 million Muslims intending to travel to Islam's holiest sites to perform Hajj to delay making plans this year due to new coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking at Mecca on Tuesday, Muhamm Saleh bin Taher Banten, Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister said that " Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is prepared to secure safety of all Muslims and nationals."

comments suggested pilgrim could be cancelled.

In February, Kingdom took extraordinary decision to close off holy cities of Mecca and Medina to foreigners over virus, a step which wasn't taken even during 1918 flu epidemic that killed tens of millions worldwide.

Restrictions have tightened in Kingdom as it grapples with over 1,500 confirmed cases of new virus, it has reported 10 deaths.

Middle East has more than 71,000 confirmed cases of virus, most of those in Iran, and over 3,300 deaths.

Saudi Arabia has barred people from entering or exiting three major cities, including Mecca and Medina, and imposed a nighttime curfew across country.

Like or countries around world and in Middle East, Saudi Arabia has suspended all inbound and outbound commercial flights.

For most people, new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older ults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.