Workers disinfect the ground around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, March 7, 2020. Saudi Arabia emptied Islam's holiest site for what they say sterilization over fears of the new coronavirus. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
April 1, 2020
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April 1, 2020 2:43 a.m.
Saudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virus
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A senior Saudi official urged more than 1 million Muslims intending to travel to Islam's holiest sites to perform the hajj to delay making plans this year due to the new coronavirus pandemic, according to reports Wednesday, comments that suggested the pilgrimage could be cancelled.