Shahad Salman photographed in Saudi Arabia’s Sadus heritage village by Dan Beleiu for Vogue Arabia
As per an announcement by The Saudi Ministry of Interior, the nationwide curfew will be lifted all across the Kingdom from Sunday, June 21 at 6 am.
The ministry also stated that all economic and commercial activities will be allowed to resume on the condition that they strictly adhere to precautionary measures. However, the suspension of Umrah, visit visas, and international flights, as well as the entry and exit across land and sea borders, will continue to remain in place until further notice. Earlier in March, the Kingdom had suspended the Umrah pilgrimage performed all year round in order to curb the spread of the virus.
Post-lockdown, the precautionary measures outlined by the Saudi Ministry of Health must be adhered to at all times. This includes the wearing of gloves and masks covering the nose and mouth, social distancing, as well as not participating in gatherings of more than 50 people which are currently banned. These measures are also are subject to periodic evaluation and review by the Ministry of Health.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia has temporarily banned pilgrimage to both Mecca and Medina
This announcement marks the return of normal life for citizens and residents 73 days after a nationwide lockdown was imposed on April 8, following the outbreak of Covid-19 and the rising number of infection cases in the Kingdom. Due to the severity of the country’s health situation, a 24-hour lockdown had also been imposed on the holiday of Eid Al-Fitr.
The Kingdom has also not made any announcements yet about the annual Hajj pilgrimage, beginning in late July, although it has urged Muslims around the world to temporarily postpone their preparations for the same.
Besides stressing on the need to abide by the preventive measures, ministry officials have also urged residents and citizens to download the Tawakkalna and Tabaud (Distancing) applications on their phones to stay up to date on all health instructions, directions, and developments about the spread of the virus.
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