Entertainment and dine-in restrictions extended for another 20 days
Restrictions could be extended even further depending on Covid cases…
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the government has opted to extend the current restrictions on entertainment activities, gatherings, and dine-in restaurant services for an additional 20 days, citing a statement from the Ministry of Interior.
The announcement extends a set of measures brought in 10 days ago, which includes cinema and indoor sports centre closures. The new restrictions, which come into effect today (Sunday, February 14) at 10pm local time, could be extended again, the ministry statement said.
تمديد العمل بالإجراءات الاحترازية التالية مدة (20) يوماً إضافياً قابلة للتمديد. pic.twitter.com/BAeNAbOisU
— وزارة الداخلية (@MOISaudiArabia) February 14, 2021
The decision was made with health authorities to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the Kingdom, which has seen a spike in new cases in recent weeks.
The restrictions will be in effect for a total of 30 days from the day authorities first imposed the measures on February 3.
The preventive measures include the following restrictions:
- attendance at social events and gatherings should not exceed 20 people
- all public entertainment and events are suspended
- cinemas, gyms and sports centres, as well as indoor entertainment centres and game centres, including those located in restaurants, shopping malls or other public spaces, are closed
- dining services at restaurants and cafes are suspended with services limited to delivery and take-out only.
On Saturday, Saudi Arabia recorded 337 new coronavirus cases and four deaths. It saw daily infections fall from a peak above 4,000 in June to dip below the 100 mark in early January.
The public must continue to observe the current social distancing measures, reduce their physical contacts and wear masks when required.
Earlier this month, the government also suspended entry to the Kingdom from 20 countries, except for Saudi citizens, diplomats and medical practitioners and their families.
Countries on the list include Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
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