Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday several measures to ease nationwide lockdown gradually, paving the way for reopening the country on 21 June while taking precautions against coronavirus. From 28 to 30 May, the curfew will be from 06:00 to 15:00 in all cities, except Mecca. During this period, interregional passenger transportation in the Kingdom will be allowed, and some economic and commercial activities will be operational during the non-curfew hours. From 31 May to 20 June, the curfew will be from 06:00 to 20:00. For the first time since the coronavirus breakout, Friday prayer will be held in all mosques across the Kingdom, except Mecca, while adhering to precautionary and preventive measures. During this period, employees in public and private sector will return to work from office while applying precautions set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and relevant authorities. Internal flights will also be allowed, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and other relevant bodies, while international flights will remain suspended. Beauty centres, barbershops, sports and health clubs, recreational centres, and cinemas will remain closed. Also, public gatherings of more than 50 people such as weddings and funerals will continue to be prevented. Starting from 21 June, life will return to normal in all regions, except Mecca, with full commitment to preventive health instructions and social distancing. All citizens and residents in the Kingdom must adhere to all precautionary measures such as wearing face masks, hand washing, sterilisation, and social distancing. Umrah has been suspended so far, but the kingdom's Ministry of Health evaluates and reviews all measures in light of the health situation in the country. Saudi Arabia witnessed for the second day a decline in coronavirus cases, reporting 1,931 new infections on Tuesday. The total number of infections in the country reached 76,726. Saudi Arabia has the highest rate of recovery among Arab countries. Only on Tuesday, the Health Ministry reported 2,782 recoveries, with total recoveries reaching 48,450. The ministry also confirmed 12 deaths, bringing the total death toll to 411. During the recent weeks, the country was reporting +2,000 Covid-19 cases daily.
