Saudi Arabia suspends pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina over coronavirus fears; Iran cases spike

February 27, 2020

WXXV,

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By JON GAMBRELL
Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia has halted travel to Islam’s holiest sites over fears about a new viral epidemic months ahead of the hajj pilgrimage.

The extraordinary decision stops foreigners from reaching the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The decision shows the concern about the outbreak potentially spreading into Saudi Arabia, whose oil-rich monarchy stakes its legitimacy on protecting Islam’s holy sites.

https://twitter.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1232816856299442178

Experts are concerned that Iran may be underreporting its cases and deaths, given the illness’ rapid spread from the Islamic Republic across the Persian Gulf.

Iran announced 26 deaths from among 245 confirmed cases of the virus on Thursday.