COVID-19: Qatif lockdown eased in Saudi Arabia

Cairo: Saudi authorities have loosened a health lockdown imposed on the eastern province of Qatif last month as part of measures to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Starting from Thursday, entry into and exiting Qatif has been allowed. People inside the province are also allowed to go outdoor daily as of 9 am (10 UAE time) until 5 pm.

The latest measures were taken as part of results of the kingdom's efforts against the coronavirus pandemic and on recommendation of health bodies, an Interior Ministry official said.

"It has also been decided to continue the work of exempted activities and compliance with previously announced health precautions," the official added.

Earlier this week, Saudi King Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz ordered the partial lifting of a nationwide curfew imposed due to the coronavirus while keeping a 24-hour lockdown in the holy city of Mecca.

The royal decree also allowed some economic and commercial activities to resume starting from Wednesday until May 13. They include wholesale and retail stores, shopping malls, construction firms and factories.