COVID-19: Saudi Arabia says vaccinated only to be allowed in public places

Dubai: Saudi Arabia is planning to restrict entry to public places, transport and activities to only vaccinated people, local media said.

Col. Talal Al Shalhoub, spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, said the government would soon implement the decision to restrict entry to all venues, activities and public transport only for the vaccinated people.

The spokesman called on community members to take the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and fully adhere to precautionary measures and preventive protocols to protect themselves and their loved ones as well as to help stem the spread of pandemic.

He also urged the public to report violators of health protocols by calling the number 911 in the regions of Riyadh and Mecca and the number 999 in the Kingdom’s other regions.

“The virus is still among us, taking the lives our loved ones. We must initiate immunisation, rush to take the vaccine and adhere to precautionary measures so as to prevent it and protect our society, and us,” Al Shalhoub said.

Referring to the suspension of travel to and from the UAE, Ethiopia, Vietnam and Afghanistan, the spokesman said that despite the developments that worry countries across the world, Saudi Arabia is still proactive in taking all preventive measures and protocols to protect the nation and its people.

“The government is keen on the safety of citizens wishing to travel abroad. This is why it decided to prevent direct and indirect travel of citizens to the four countries, without obtaining prior permission from competent authorities,” Al Shalhoub stressed.

He said the travel ban was taken due to the continuing outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the spread of new variants.

The travel ban excludes those who stay 14 days outside the four countries with the condition of institutional quarantine on arrivals. The suspension of flights took effect from 11pm, Sunday, July 4.