Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has advised Haj pilgrims to wear face masks in the holy cities to protect themselves from the deadly MERS virus, said a report.

"Pilgrims should wear protective masks that cover the noses and mouths in crowded places and follow basic health etiquette while sneezing or coughing," Dr Nazreen Sherbini, a specialist in infectious diseases and influenza was quoted as saying in the Arab News report.

She advised pilgrims to avoid people who cough and sneeze incessantly, have runny noses, and temperature over 38 degrees Celsius.