To combat the spread of the Covid-19 virus, Saudi Arabia lifted its comprehensive closures of gyms, restaurants, and malls, as well as entertainment events, on March 7. Officials agreed on February 4 to halt all entertainment activities and events, as well as close cinemas, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, gyms, and sports centres for ten days, which was then extended for another ten days. However, on March 5, an official source at the Ministry of the Interior announced that the majority of the restrictions will be lifted beginning March 7th. Cinemas and indoor entertainment centers, as well as independent indoor gaming venues, shopping malls, gyms and sports centers, restaurants, and cafés, have all been permitted to reopen.

Fortunately, until further notice, all activities, and gatherings, including weddings, business meetings, and the like, will be suspended in banquet halls and separate wedding halls or those inside hotels, as well as in rental rest houses and camps. Besides, all social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 20 participants.

The interior ministry source emphasized the importance of all adhering to these measures, including continuing to distribute prayers at funerals in cemeteries at all hours of the day, and not being complacent in the implementation of precautionary measures and protocols for all operations.

Inspection efforts will be stepped up in the coming months to ensure that everyone, including individuals and businesses, is following the precautionary measures during the reopening process, with violators facing fines.

Source