Returning Hajj Pilgrims Will Be Monitored for COVID, Other Diseases

TheIndonesia.id - The Indonesian authorities have confirmed that the health of hajj pilgrims will be closely monitored for at least 21 days upon their return to the country to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases.

Head of hajj health center Budi Sylvana said returning hajj pilgrims will be provided with “health alert card”, and they are urged to immediately see medical professionals when they experience any symptoms.

“If within the 21 days they experience symptoms, pilgrims must immediately report and get treatment at the nearest health facility and bring the K3JH [health alert card],” Sylvana said on Wednesday, July 14, as reported by Antara.

The remaining hajj pilgrims who are declared healthy when they arrive in Indonesia will also be monitored for 21 days by local health office in their region.

The main purpose of the monitoring is to detect any contagious diseases, such as COVID-19, MERS-CoV, meningitis, polio, and other diseases that can potentially trigger public health emergency of international concern (PHEIOC).

Upon their arrival in Indonesia, all hajj pilgrims will undergo health screening, and their condition will also be observed while they’re in the hajj dormitories.

In addition to screening facilities, the Ministry of Health also prepares health posts at airports for emergency and outpatients.

Ambulances and health workers are also prepared as part of the mitigation efforts.