An official source at the Saudi Ministry of Interior has stated that within the Kingdom’s efforts to confront coronavirus pandemic, and in implementation of the recommendations of competent health authorities to raise the degree of precautionary and preventive measures in the cities of Makkah and Madinah, to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents, it was decided the following:
First: The curfew will be effective in all parts of the cities of Makkah and Madinah for 24 hours a day, with the continuing ban of entry into and exit from the two cities, as of today until further notice. The ban of entry and exit does not include those excepted from employees of vital sectors in government and private sectors, whose works require continued performance during the ban period according to what was stated in the Royal Order No. 45942.
Second: Within the narrowest scope, residents of the neighborhoods of the cities of Makkah and Madinah are allowed to leave their homes to meet only necessary needs such as health care and food supplies, within neighborhoods in which they reside, during the period from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 pm every day.
Also, those wishing to use banking services and ATMs are allowed according to a mechanism set by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Interior called upon everyone that the exit is for adults only and in necessary cases, to ensure that children are not exposed to the causes of transmission.
Third: Prohibiting the practice of any commercial activities within the residential neighborhoods of the cities of Makkah and Madinah, except for pharmacies and food supply stores, gas stations and banking services.
Fourth: Restricting vehicle transportation within the residential neighborhoods of the cities of Makkah and Madinah for the people referred to in clause “Second” to only one person, in addition to the driver of the vehicle, to reduce contact.
The Ministry of Interior called on all citizens and residents to use express delivery services through smart device applications, to request food and medicine needs and other excluded goods and services delivered to their homes.
The Ministry assured the people that these measures were taken within the framework of the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve public health and prevent the spread of the coronavirus and that they are subject to continuous evaluation with relevant health authorities.
