Saudi Arabia to ease COVID-19 restrictions, starting Sunday
However, social events will continue to be restricted to a maximum of 20 attendees
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia will ease coronavirus-related restrictions on entertainment and events and reopen cinemas, gyms, and sports centers starting March 7, the state news agency reported, citing a source in the ministry of interior.
The restrictions were on cinemas and indoor entertainment centers, independent indoor games' venues, restaurants and shopping centers, gyms and sports centers, and dine-in at restaurants and cafes. The restrictions came into effect on February 3.
The suspension of events and parties will continue until further notice, the agency reported, and this includes weddings, corporate meetings, held in banquet halls or independent wedding halls or hotel venues, along with a continued ban on events at rental rest houses and camps that are usually used for these purposes.
Social events will continue to be restricted to a maximum of 20 attendees.
The authorities reportedly said that inspections would be increased in order to ensure that individuals and facilities adhere to the precautionary measures, and added that violators would be fined.
- Inputs from Reuters