Saudi Arabia to ease COVID-19 health precautions as of Oct. 17

Logo of Ministry of Interior

Saudi Arabia will ease COVID-19 health protocols starting from Sunday, Oct. 17, the state-run SPA reported, citing an official Ministry of Interior source. 

The Kingdom will lift outdoor mask mandates but will require to wear facemasks indoors.  

It will also ease precautionary measures for fully vaccinated persons. The Kingdom approved allowing full capacity attendance at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, directing all workers and visitors to wear facemasks at all times. 

Moreover, social distancing measures will be lifted, and the Kingdom will allow returning to full capacity at public places and transport networks.  

Gatherings will be also allowed for any number of persons, with abidance by the precautionary measures. 

Additionally, the two COVID-19 vaccination doses are required for entry and attendance at all the previously mentioned places, except the exempted groups, according to Tawakkalna application. 

Social distancing and face coverings will remain applicable at all places, where the health status of people is not verified.  

Meanwhile, the Kingdom will continue imposing penalties on violators of the precautionary measures.