Saudi Arabia to lift precautionary measures related to combating covid-19

Saudi Arabia will lift precautionary and preventive measures related to combating the coronavirus pandemic as of Saturday, an official source in the Ministry of Interior said on Saturday.

This is based on the follow-up to the epidemiological situation of the coronavirus pandemic and what the competent health authorities submitted and the gains made in combating the pandemic thanks to the unlimited support of the wise leadership, the concerted effective national efforts from all sides, the progress made in the national vaccination program and the high rates of immunization and immunity against the virus in society, the source added.

The decision includes the following:

First: Suspending the application of social distancing measures in the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, and mosques, while continuing to obligate the wearing of a face masks in them.

Second: Suspending the application of social distancing measures in all places (closed and open), activities and events.

Third: Wearing masks is not required in open places, while it must be worn in closed places.

Fourth: Submission of a negative result for an approved PCR test or for an approved Rapid Antigen Test before coming to the Kingdom is not required.

Fifth: To come to the Kingdom on visit visas of all kinds, it is required to have insurance to cover the costs of treatment from Covid-19 infection during the period of stay in the Kingdom.

Sixth: Canceling the application of institutional and home quarantine for the purpose of combating the pandemic on those coming to the Kingdom.

Seventh: Lifting the suspension of direct arrival to the Kingdom, and lifting the suspension of all flights coming to and departing from the Kingdom to the following countries (Republic of South Africa, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Botswana, Republic of Zimbabwe, Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Mozambique, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Zambia, Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Angola, Republic of Seychelles, United Republic of Comoros, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan).

The source stressed the importance of continuing to complete the implementation of the national plan for immunization, which includes taking the (third) booster dose, and applying procedures to verify health status in the (Tawakkalna App) to enter facilities, activities, events, events, planes and public transportation.

The source also indicated that the measures taken above are subject to continuous evaluation by the competent health authorities in the Kingdom, according to the developments in the epidemiological situation.