An official source at the Ministry of Interior announced that, based on the recommendations of the competent health authorities and in light of the progress – thanks be to God – in protecting the community and the decrease in the number of cases, royal approval has been granted to ease health precautions starting from Sunday, October 17, 2021, as follows:
First: Wearing a mask is not mandatory in open spaces - except for exempted places - while continuing to be mandatory in closed spaces.
Second: The precautionary measures for those who have received two doses of the (COVID-19) vaccine are eased as follows:
1- Allowing the full utilization of the Grand Mosque’s capacity, while obligating workers and visitors to wear masks at all times in all corridors of the mosque, and continuing to use the Eatmarna or Tawakkalna application to make Umrah and prayer appointments to control the numbers present at one time.
2- Allowing the full use of capacity in the Prophet’s Mosque, while obligating workers and visitors to wear masks at all times in all corridors of the mosque, and using the Eatmarna or Tawakkalna application to take prayer times and visit the Noble Garden in order to control the numbers present at one time.
3- Cancel social distancing and allow the use of full capacity in gatherings, public places, transportation, restaurants, cinemas and the like.
4- Allowing the holding and attendance of events in wedding halls and other venues without restricting the number, while emphasizing the importance of applying precautionary measures due to the seriousness of the behaviors associated with it.
Third: Two doses of the vaccine are required for entry to all sites and activities mentioned in point two above, with the exception of those not covered or exempted as indicated in the Tawakkalna application. Everyone must adhere to all applicable precautionary measures, including wearing a face mask.
Fourth: Social distancing and wearing masks will continue to be enforced in locations where health status verification for visitors is not implemented through the Tawakkalna application.
Fifth: The Public Health Authority “Prevention” prepares the preventive measures that must be adhered to for all activities mentioned in item (Second).
Sixth: Emphasizing the public and private sectors and those similar to them; to verify the immunity status in the “Tawakkalna” application for all those who wish to enter the facility, and to follow up on compliance with the precautionary and preventive measures taken by the concerned authorities to confront the pandemic, including wearing a mask.
Seventh: Emphasizing to the relevant authorities - each in its respective jurisdiction - the application of the prescribed penalties against those who violate the precautionary and preventive measures taken by the concerned authorities to confront the pandemic.
Eighth: The Ministry of Health monitors the number of hospitalized cases due to COVID-19 infection, especially intensive care, and reports on what is necessary in case there is a need to tighten precautionary measures at the level of cities, governorates or regions.
The source confirmed that these decisions are subject to periodic review in accordance with local and international developments.
