Cafe culture returns to Jeddah as coronavirus restrictions eased
Happy customers returned to Saudi cafes and restaurants while adhering to strict government health protocols, after a month-long ban on indoor dining.
They wore masks and gathered in groups of between two and four at tables in cafes in Jeddah.
Mohammed Ashram, co-owner of coffee shop Locals Cafe, said he was “very happy” to welcome people back.
“The new rules of ensuring tables are three metres apart make us and our customers feel safer and more comfortable,” he said.
Nawal, a Saudi sales manager, was enjoying being able to eat out again.
“I am so excited to be back out and enjoying a normal day outdoors with my friend,” said Nawal, 29.
“We want to make sure we help the government in its unbelievable efforts to safeguard our health and well-being by following all safety procedures.”
Hadeer, 24, an Egyptian living in Jeddah, was looking forward to going to the cinema and said she was relieved that restrictions had been lifted.
“It takes a toll on humans psychologically and I hope for this reason people can be more careful,” she said.
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing issued strict social-distancing protocols in restaurants and cafes.
Customers are advised to remain 1.5 metres apart even when standing in queues to order.
The ministry said members of a single family should be counted as one person and there was no need for social distancing between them.
The Ministry of Health urged the public to maintain social distancing and adhere to all health and safety protocols.
“With the return of some activities, remember that you are obligated to implement preventive measures,” the ministry said.
It suggested that businesses set up ways for customers to wait without crowding at entrances of cafes and restaurants through e-booking or phone applications.
“We were told to ensure the CCTV cameras can capture the entire space so we can monitor people as they come in, give their temperature, then their order and their exit, to make sure they follow safety procedures,” said Mahmoud, a Saudi barista at a Starbucks cafe in Jeddah.
The Ministry of Health said vaccines were available across all regions of the kingdom.
More than 1.3 million people have received the coronavirus vaccine in Saudi Arabia.
After a surge in coronavirus cases in the past 28 days, 228 mosques were temporarily shut, but 218 of them have since reopened after they were disinfected.
The kingdom recorded 351 new coronavirus cases and six deaths yesterday. The total number of recoveries increased to 371,032.