Cairo
Saudi Arabia announced that it will start easing restrictions in the country, more than two months after stringent measures were introduced to stop spread of the coronavirus.
Restrictions will be lifted in three phases, culminating in the curfew completely ending – with the exception of the holy city of Makkah— from June 21, the state news agency reported in a statement early on Tuesday.
The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages — which attract millions of travellers from around the world — will remain suspended until further notice. The first phase, starting on Thursday, will see the 24-hour curfew reduced to between 3 pm-6 am countrywide. Free movement between regions and some retail and wholesale activities, including malls, will be allowed to resume.
Saudi Arabia had imposed 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities but eased them for the start of the fasting month of Ramadan. The 24-hour curfew was reimposed during the five-day Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday, which began on Sunday.
From Sunday, May 30, free movement will be allowed between 6am and 8pm, Saudi Press Agency reported. Domestic flights will be allowed to resume, but a ban on international flights will stay. Mosques can hold prayers once again, subject to social distancing and hygiene measures, except for in Makkah where restrictions on attendance will stay in place.
Public and private sector employees will be allowed to return to their offices.
Social gatherings of more than 50 people will still be banned, including weddings and funerals.
Makkah will stay one phase behind the rest of the country, with curfew times adjusted to 3pm-6am until June 20, revised up to 8 pm thereafter. Prayers will only be allowed to resume in mosques from June 21.— Reuters
