Saudi extends Covid-19 restrictions; gyms, cinemas to remain closed for another 20 days

Restrictions imposed in Saudi Arabia including the closure of cinemas and the suspension of events will continue for an additional 20 days, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.

The restrictions were initially put in place on February 4 for a period of 10 days to curb the spread of the virus.

An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that the measures would be extended to ‘achieve optimal control over the situation’.

Read: Saudi Arabia suspends events, weddings; shuts down malls, restaurants, gyms

The following measures will be in place for an additional 20 days starting from 10pm on February 14, subject to further extension:

* The maximum number of people allowed to gather for social events shall not exceed 20 persons
* Suspending all entertainment activities and events
* Closing down cinemas, indoor entertainment centres, and independent indoor games venues as well as those located in restaurants and malls
* Shutting down gyms and sports centres
* Suspending the provision of dine-in services at restaurants and cafes and limiting services to delivery only

Officials stressed that the public must adhere to the precautionary measures related to events, meetings, gatherings, parties and funerals.

All the protocols are subject to continuous evaluation by the competent authorities, the SPA report added.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia also banned entry into the kingdom from 20 countries including the UAE, UK and India.

The temporary suspension of permission to enter will be applicable to anyone who comes from, or has transited through any of those countries, 14 days prior to the date they wish to enter the kingdom.

Read: Covid-19: Saudi Arabia bans entry from 20 countries including UAE, UK and India

Late last month, officials also announced that its travel ban for citizens and the closure of its borders will remain in place until May 17, 2021.

Read: Saudi extends border closures, travel ban for citizens until May

The new measures were imposed after the kingdom noted an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases reported in the country.

On Saturday, Saudi announced 337 new virus cases as well as four deaths.