Saudi Arabia has announced it will refrain from issuing visas to pilgrims who are medically unfit to observe this year's Hajj celebration this October, in light of the growing threat by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) which has so far claimed 38 lives from the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia 2013 Hajj, Umrah: No Visa for Medically Unfit, Pilgrims Advised to Wear Masks

At the same time, the oil-rich nation's Ministry of Health advised pilgrims to wear the necessary surgical masks especially when in crowded places to avoid contracting the fatal disease which has killed 45 worldwide.

"Masks should be changed regularly, every six hours, or when dirty, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the manufacturer, along with washing hands with water and soap when taking them off," the guideline said.

Those listed under medically unfit to receive visas include aged people, individuals with chronic diseases like heart, kidney, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, as well as patients with weakened immune systems. Children and pregnant women were likewise listed.

Among the considered hotspots for potential infection and spread of the virus include the Kaaba, known as the Sacred House, a cuboid building in Mecca, as well as the Masjid Al-Nabawi, or Mosque of the Prophet, in Medina.

The Masjid Al-Nabawi, or Mosque of the Prophet
The Kaaba, known as the Sacred House

Pilgrims were urged to take the necessary vaccinations before going to Saudi Arabia. And to observe and maintain personal hygiene standards, such as using a tissue when sneezing and coughing, when already inside the kingdom for their spiritual rituals.

The MERS-CoV began its outbreak in Al Ahsaa in a health-care facility in April 2013. Although most of the MERS-CoV seem to concentrate in Saudi Arabia, the virus has been found to have spread to neighbouring Jordan, Qatar and the UAE, as well as overseas in Italy, Britain, France, Germany and Tunisia.