Haj authorities in Egypt have decided to cut the number of Haj pilgrims by 40 per cent this year to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus.   About 80,000 Egyptian pilgrims come for Haj each year. Chairman of the National Haj Committee in Saudi Arabia said the Egyptian Higher committee for Haj “decided to cut the number of Haj pilgrims to be sent from that country by 40 per cent in view of the increasing reports of swine flu deaths.”   Saudi Arabia has so far reported 23 deaths due to swine flu. 

The committee also decided not to accept Haj applications from those over the age of 65 or suffering from chronic illnesses and who have been removed from the list of pilgrims based on Arab health ministers recommendations.   An Egyptian delegation will visit the Kingdom soon to complete arrangements for medical facilities.in Makkah and Madinah.