S Arabia lifts Covid-related curbs

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has lifted almost all coronavirus-related restrictions in the kingdom after witnessing a declining Covid-19 trend, a report published by Saudi Gazette said.

Saudi Arabia will no longer require the passengers arriving in the kingdom to show a negative PCR test report or quarantine themselves upon arrival. Instead of fulfilling these two requirements, the foreigners travelling on visit visas would have to acquire insurance that covers the entire coronavirus treatment costs.

Moreover, the outdoor mask-wearing and social distancing protocols have also been abolished, an official source at the Saudi interior ministry announced. Worshippers will no longer be required to maintain social distancing in the mosques, including the Two Holy Mosques but to wear masks, which is mandatory only indoors within the kingdom.

The said decisions came into force on March 5, Saturday. Meanwhile, the Saudi authorities also lifted the suspension of direct flights and arrival to the kingdom from the following countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, United Republic of Comoros, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Afghanistan.