KSA ‘back to normal by June 21’
Authorities launch 3-stage timetable to restore regular personal and business activity in less than a month Friday prayers resume outside Makkah from next week, public and private sector staff can return to offices
Saudi authorities launched a detailed timetable early on Tuesday for a threestage easing of coronavirus restrictions, leading to a return to normal life in the Kingdom in less than a month.
The plan is for regular personal, business and commercial activities to be re-established by June 21, provided safe distancing is maintained and everyone complies with preventive health instructions.
The only exception is Makkah, where restrictions will be eased more gradually. Umrah pilgrimages remain suspended, as are all international flights until further notice. The first phase begins on Thursday, when the existing 24-hour curfew will be eased to begin at 3 p.m. and end at 6 a.m.
Travel between cities and regions in private vehicles will be allowed outside curfew hours. Shops and malls may operate outside curfew hours, but activities in which social distancing cannot be applied remain suspended, including beauty salons, barbershops, sports and health clubs, recreational centers and cinemas.
The second phase will begin on May 31, when the curfew will be further eased to run from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Friday and group prayers in mosques outside Makkah will resume with precautions, and staff at ministries, government authorities and private sector companies may return to their offices.
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development
Ahmed Al-Rajhi said public sector employees would gradually resume work from Sunday and return to full attendance on June 14. To help safe distancing, “we have decided to implement a flexible system for workers to enter and exit their workplaces,” the minister said. Domestic flights will resume on May 31 and restaurants and cafes may reopen, while observing safe distancing. However, the ban on social gatherings of more than 50 people, such as weddings and funerals, remains. The third phase begins on June 21, when life will return to normal throughout the Kingdom apart from Makkah, with all restrictions lifted. The Interior Ministry urged everyone in the Kingdom to protect the vulnerable from infection by wearing face masks, washing hands, sanitizing and maintaining a safe distance.
Saudis and expats in the Kingdom welcomed the easing of restrictions, but said they were well aware that the danger was not over.
“We are happy that the lockdown will end soon and things will get back to normal,” said Shahana Parveen, a teacher in Riyadh. “But we should continue maintaining social distance, avoid gatherings, wear masks and sanitize hands and utensils.”
Saudi Arabia recorded 1,931 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the total to 76,726, and the death toll rose by 12 to 411. Worldwide the virus has infected nearly 5.7 million people and killed more than 350,000.
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