Saudi Arabia has enforced a 24-hour curfew in the capital city of Riyadh and other major cities and governorates. Prior to this, the Kingdom has imposed travel suspensions both inside and outside the country, among other precautionary measures taken to combat the pandemic.
Citing an official source from the Ministry of Interior, Saudi Press Agency reported that a 24-hour curfew has been enforced in all parts of the cities of Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dharan, and Hafouf, as well as in the governorates of Jeddah, Taif, Qatif, and Khobar.
24-hour Curfew Enforced in Major Cities and Governorates
Previously, the Ministry of Interior had enforced a 24-hour curfew in Makkah and Madinah, a move that has now been extended to other major cities and governorates. Just recently, the following decisions were made, according to an official source at the Ministry:
- The 24-hour curfew in Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dharan, Hafouf, Jeddah, Taif, Qatif, and Khobar is effective Monday, 6th April 2020, until further notice. All entries to and exits from these cities and governorates are banned.
- The ban does not include employees of vital sectors in the government and private sectors, such as health service workers, security personnel, military, and media.
- Citizens and residents in the above cities and governorates may leave their homes only when absolutely necessary, such as when buying food and health care supplies. They can only move within their respective districts, from 6:00 am until 3:00 pm everyday.
- In addition to the driver, only one person per household is allowed to leave the house during the above-mentioned period.
- Commercial activities in the above cities and governorates are prohibited, except for food supply stores, pharmacies, banking services, gas stations, water delivery services, sanitation tanks, and technicians of electricity, air conditioning, and plumbing.
All of these measures shall be reviewed and updated regularly by a task team at the Ministry.
Here is the announcement made by Saudi Press Agency on Twitter:
Saudi Arabia imposes 24-Hour Curfew on Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran, Hafouf, Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar, Interior Ministry announces.#SPAGOV
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) April 6, 2020
Exit from Homes for Adults Only
Furthermore, the Ministry reminded all citizens and residents that only adults can exit from homes to buy essential supplies, to make sure that children are not exposed to the outbreak. Likewise, it also urged everyone to utilise express delivery services available through digital platforms, so that essential goods may be delivered straight to their homes.
All of these measures are being taken as part of the Saudi government’s widespread efforts to contain and prevent the outbreak. In line with this, the Ministry of Interior urged everyone to act responsibly and follow official instructions, for everyone’s safety and well-being.
As the Saudi government continues to take these measures amid the current crisis, let us do our part by cooperating and following the rules. After all, this is not just for our own health and safety, but for the protection of the entire community. In the meantime, check out this list of DOs and DON’Ts to prevent the spread of diseases.
