Haj pilgrimage in Mecca downsized due to coronavirus pandemic

Muslims began the annual haj pilgrimage this year on July 29, 2020 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. But the 2020 pilgrimage is very different because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Only about 10,000 residents of the kingdom were selected to join, instead of the usual millions of pilgrims who arrive from around the world. As part of the ritual, the Kaaba’s sacred black stone is normally kissed, but that practice as well as other activities have been banned. The pilgrimage will last through to August 2, 2020.