Saudi Arabia eases COVID-19 curfew, opens up some economic activities for Ramadan

Saudi authorities on Saturday (Apr 25) said they will partially lift COVID-19 curfews and re-open selected commercial and economic activities, reported state news agency SPA. 

Curfews will be partially eased in all regions during the month of Ramadan from Sunday (Apr 26) to May 13 from 9am to 5pm, except for Makkah city and isolated districts that will remain under 24-hour curfew.

Selected commercial and economic activities can reopen from Wednesday (Apr 29) to May 13. These include wholesale and retail trade sectors, and shopping malls. 

Businesses that still cannot re-open are those that cannot implement social distancing, including beauty clinics, barber salons, sports and health clubs, recreational centers, cinemas, beauty salons, restaurants, and cafes.

Authorities will also allow construction companies and factories to operate from Apr 29 to May 13.

Social distancing measures will continue, including a ban on gatherings of more than five people for social purposes, wedding events, and funerals, as well as gathering in public places.

During the month of Ramadan, Saudi authorities have only allowed taraweeh prayers in the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah for clerics and staff who work on maintenance of the buildings. The worshippers have to maintain a safe distance from each other, and their temperatures are taken before they enter the mosque. 

All mosques were closed to prayers from Mar 18 as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. 

Saudi Arabia reported 1,223 new cases on Sunday, taking its total tally to 17,522. 

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