Muslim worshippers walk past pigeons after the noon prayers outside the Grand Mosque, in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, March 7, 2020. Saudi Arabia announced there would be no spectators for sports competitions and games starting Saturday in order to combat the spread of the virus. The kingdom has taken unprecedented measures against the virus' spread, including halting all pilgrimage in Mecca, Islam's holiest site. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
April 1, 2020
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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.