Saudi Arabia halts local festivals over COVID-19 breaches

Cairo: Saudi authorities in the central region of Al Qassim have halted five local festivals due to violations of regulations to limit the spread of COVID-19 as the kingdom has tightened measures against the infectious disease.

Governor of Al Qassim Prince Faisal bin Meshal has directed the suspension of the events in response to reports from the competent agencies and in line with the anti-coronavirus precautions, Saudi media reported, quoting a local official.

“The governor’s directives come out of keenness to protect safety of citizens and foreign residents,” spokesman for Al Qassim region Ahmed bin Abdullah said. He did not specify the violating events and the nature of monitored breaches.

In December, Saudi Arabia initiated mass vaccinations against COVID-19. Over 29 mil-lion doses have since been administered across the kingdom, according to the latest figures from the Health Ministry.

Starting from August 1, Saudi authorities limited access to government and private offices, shopping centres, markets and public transport to immunised people only, in a step aimed to encourage getting the jabs against COVID-19.