Saudi Arabia: Umrah will continue to be suspended

KINGDOM REPORTS 1,644 NEW CASES AND 16 MORE DEATHS

Saudi Arabia, which will begin easing Covid-19 restrictions from Sunday, said Umrah will continue to be suspended.

In late February, the kingdom halted Umrah journeys to Makkah and Madinah, but said the suspension was temporary.

Starting Sunday, all congregational prayers, including Friday prayers, will be allowed in all mosques across the kingdom, except in Makkah. Domestic air travel will also resume and employees will return to offices.

The General Authority for Civil Aviation said Al Jouf and Arar airports to be added to domestic airports, taking the number of domestic destinations to 13. The authority had earlier announced the resumption of domestic flights in a two-week phase. Sixty flights will operate daily in the first phase.

The first phase will include the operation of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Saudi Arabia said tourist visas that expired during the suspension of international flights will be automatically extended for three months free of charge.

Saudi Arabia yesterday reported 1,644 new cases and 16 more deaths, taking total infections to 80,185 and the death toll to 441.

It also reported 3,531 recoveries, taking the total to 54,553.

Oman reported 636 new cases and two deaths, taking the total to 9,009 and the death toll to 40.

A lockdown imposed in Muscat since April 10 will be lifted today and government employees workers will gradually return to offices starting Sunday.

845 new cases in Kuwait

Kuwait reported 845 new cases and 10 deaths, taking total infections to 24,112 and the death toll to 185. Health Minister Dr Basil Al Sabah said 752 more patients have recovered, taking total recoveries to 8,698

Kuwait has said it will not extend a 20-day complete lockdown that is due to end next Saturday and instead will return to enforcing a partial curfew.

Qatar reported 1,967 new cases and three deaths, taking total infections to 50,914 and the death toll to 33.

AP Workers place a poster that explains the precautionary measures and instructions to be followed inside mosques for Friday prayers at Al Mirabi Mosque in Jeddah yesterday.