Saudi Arabia lifts curfew, renews trade activities as it enters the new normal

Ban on Umrah along with international flights and entry through borders with restrictions will remain in place.

By Rahul Vaimal, Associate Editor
  • Follow author on
Saudi Arabia
Representational Image

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began to live in the new normal as the nation lifted it’s nationwide curfew and resumed all economic and commercial activities today.

The ban on Umrah, international flights and entry into the kingdom across land borders remains along with a restriction on social gatherings with more than 50 people.  The curfew was lifted at 6 AM local time in all regions and cities of the kingdom.

The actions were taken following a brief presented by relevant health authorities over the prudent measures exercised by the kingdom to oppose the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the possibility of returning to normal on the following conditions;

  • Maintaining a full commitment to applying all approved preventive protocols by all activities.
  • Committing to social distancing and putting on the mask or covering the nose and mouth, by all.
  • Restrictions on Human gatherings exceeding more than 50 persons and
  • A regular periodic review of set procedures by the Ministry of Health.

According to Interior Ministry officials, the Umrah situation is being constantly reviewed as per the health data (information). It was also pointed out that international flights will remain barred while the ban on the entry and exit through land and maritime borders will also remain until further notice.

Severe imposing penalties are also set forth on individuals and establishments who violate resolutions and instructions relating to the set procedures provided to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The government is also expected to permit 75 percent attendance at workplaces in the kingdom beginning from June 29. With regard to the governmental bodies, total employees shall not exceed 75 percent and they are expected to follow a flexible working timetable and will work in three different times 07:30 AM, 08:30 AM and 09:30 AM, local time.

The authorities have requested all employees of both public and private sectors to abide by all COVID-19 preventive and precautionary measures with a warning of imposing heavy penalties towards violation of the rules.

YOU MAY LIKE