Due to the increase in Coronavirus patients Saudi Arabia Government took some harsh steps and imposed complete lock-down starting from Saturday May 23, 2020 and 4 Eid Days till May 27, 2020. This helped in easing the situation but it also made the government think of the post lock-down situation. As there was hourly lock-down imposed for about 3 months and then complete lock-down for 5 days. The post lock-down situation would be worse as everyone will go out to have a breath of fresh air.
The Report by Saudi Press Agency
The authorities in Saudi Arabia have decided to ease some restrictions put in place over Coronavirus fears, allowing movement and resumption of some economic and commercial activities, Saudi Press Agency reported early Tuesday citing an official source at the Interior Ministry.
What would be the Flight Schedule?
The move also allows restarting of domestic flights, opening of Mosques, Restaurants and Cafes and Work attendance, however, the temporary suspension of Umrah pilgrimage remains in force.
When will be the Easing Take Place?
The easing of restrictions will be carried out in a phased manner, with the 1st (first) phase beginning on Thursday May 28, 2020 and ending on May 30, 2020.
First Phase
In the first phase, the movement within and between all regions of the Kingdom in private cars will be allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. except in Makkah. Economic and commercial activities will resume in retail and wholesale shops and malls but beauty salons, barber shops, sports clubs, health clubs, entertainment centers and cinemas will continue to remain shut due to social distancing concerns.
| Days | Date | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | May 28, 2020 |
|
| Friday | May 29, 2020 | |
| Saturday | May 30, 2020 | |
| Sunday | May 31, 2020 |
Second Phase
In the second phase, which begins on May 31 and ends on June 20, the movement is allowed from 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in all areas of the Kingdom, except in Makkah. All congregational prayers, including Friday prayers, will resume in all mosques across the Kingdom except in Makkah.
| Date | Activities |
|---|---|
| May 31, 2020 – June 20, 2020 |
|
What will be open, what will be closed ?
Restrictions on social distance in public places will continue. No more than 50 people will be allowed to attend wedding ceremonies and condolence gatherings.
Workplaces
The suspension of workplace attendance will end, allowing all employees in ministries, government entities and private sector companies to return to working from their offices provided that they follow strict precautionary guidelines.
Tourism
The suspension on travel between regions in the Kingdom using various transport methods will no longer be in place. Airlines will be allowed to operate domestic flights if they adhere to precautionary measures set by the civil aviation authority and the Ministry of Health. The suspension of international flights, will, however, continue until further notice.
Restaurants and Cafes
Restaurants and cafes serving food and beverages can reopen, however, beauty salons, barber shops, sports clubs, health clubs, entertainment centers and cinemas will be barred from reopening in the second phase. The ban on social gatherings of more than fifty people, such as weddings and funerals will also continue to remain in force.
Third Phase
In the third phase commencing on June 21, the Kingdom will return to “normal” conditions as it was before the Coronavirus lock-down measures were implemented.
| Days | Activities |
| June 21, 2020 – Until Further Notice |
|
What will be the Situation in Makkah ?
The situation will return to normal in all regions and cities of the country, but the second ban will remain in place in Makkah. Meanwhile in Makkah, the first phase measures will be implemented between May 31 to June 20 and the second phase will begin on May 21.
Friday prayers and all congregational prayers will continue to be held in the Grand Mosque, only to be attended by Imams and the employees. All mosques will be open for Friday and congregation. The Mosques of Makkah will be an exception. Friday and congregational prayers at the Grand Mosque will continue with current precautions. The ban on Umrah and Ziarat will remain in place.
Though the situation is some how under control but still these precautionary measures are important to take as we don’t know is there any second wave of corona or any other similar disease caused by corona virus. So, its better to stay at home staying distant and staying safe. Because corona won’t affect you at home until you bring it at home.
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