Umrah pilgrimage to remain suspended until further notice

Saudi Arabia will begin easing restrictions on movement and travel this week, more ‎than two months after stringent measures were introduced to help curb the spread of the ‎Novel Coronavirus.‎

News ID: 450203

Date: 27 May 2020 - 17:48

RNA – Saudi Arabia will begin easing restrictions on movement and travel this week, more ‎than two months after stringent measures were introduced to help curb the spread of the ‎Novel 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 Umrah pilgrimage – which attract millions of travelers from around the world ‎–‎ will ‎remain suspended until further notice.‎

The kingdom has so far recorded 74,795 cases of COVID‎-19 with 399 deaths. More than ‎‎2,000 cases are still being reported daily.‎

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 Ramadhan. The 24‎–‎hour curfew was reimposed during the five-‎day Eid al‎-‎Fitr holiday, ‎which began on Sunday.‎

From Sunday May 30, free movement will be allowed between 6 am and 8 pm, 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.‎

Citizens will still be urged to wear masks in public and continue hygiene and social distancing ‎measures after June 21.‎

Makkah will stay one phase behind the rest of the country, with curfew times adjusted to 3 ‎pm‎–‎6 am until June 20, revised up to 8 pm thereafter. Prayers will only be allowed to ‎resume in mosques from June 21.‎

IQNA

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