Saudi Arabia: Curfew to be lifted from June 21 /update 39

Event

Saudi authorities announced on Saturday, June 20, that the curfew introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be lifted as of 06:00 (local time) on Sunday, June 21. The curfew is currently in place between 15:00 and 06:00. The government also stated that all economic and commercial activity will also resume from Sunday. Citizens will continue to be urged to practice social distancing and to wear masks in public after this date.

International flights to and from the country remain suspended until further notice, with arrivals for pilgrims also postponed. However, domestic flights from airports in Bisha, Taif, Yanbu, Hafr al-Batin, and Sharourah have been operating since the end of May. Flight destinations include Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al-Madina, Abha, Tabuk, Jizan, Hail, Al Baha, and Najran.

Following the beginning of the second phase of the lifting of restrictions on May 31, mosques have been permitted to hold prayers, subject to certain health and safety criteria, and with exceptions for Mecca. Public and private sector employees have returned to their offices. Wholesale and retail services have also resumed. However, social gatherings of more than 50 people, including weddings and funerals, continue to be banned. Free movement between regions has also resumed.

As of June 20, authorities have confirmed 154,233 cases of COVID-19 and 1230 associated deaths in Saudi Arabia. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled the outbreak as a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone non-essential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.