Saudi Arabia has announced relaxation of curbs imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19 with many activities allowed from May 31. The kingdom has also announced that most curbs will go from June 21.

 

Domestic flights are expected to start operations from May 31 and restaurants will also be allowed to serve customers, according to an announcement.  

 

An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that based on recommendations of health authorities to fight the spread of novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), curfew relaxation hours will be from 6 am to 3 pm from May 28 until May 30 and from 6 am to 8 pm from May 31 to June 20 in all regions of Saudi Arabia, except the city of Makkah, said a Saudi Press Agency report.

 

According to the decision announced, from May 31 to June 20, the following will be done:

* All business activities that are exempted from bans will continue as announced previously

* Friday prayer and all other prayers in mosques (except in Makkah) will be allowed with precautionary and preventive measures

* Suspension of attendance at ministries, government agencies and private sector companies will be lifted and office activities will retun in accordance with the measures prescribed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

* Suspension of domestic flights will be lifted

* Travel between regions by various means of transportation will be allowed

* Indoor orders in restaurants will be allowed with precautionary procedures laid down by the competent authorities

* Indoor orders in cafes

* Ban on all activities that do not achieve physical distance including: beauty salons, barber salons, sports and health clubs, recreational centres, cinemas, and other activities will continue

* Social distancing procedures in all public places will continue and gatherings of more than 50 people for events such as wedding or funeral will be prohibited

 

From June 21, normal life will rterun to all regions and cities of Saudi Arabia, except the city of Makkah, with preventive health restrictions and social distance steps. Care will be taken to protect highest-risk groups, the report said.

 

Umrah pilgrimage and international flights will continue to be suspended until further notice.