Riyadh — The Saudi Ministry of Interior has ended most coronavirus-related restrictions & requirements for wearing masks. The Saudi Press Agency also reported relaxations for showing health status on the Tawakkalna app.
Restrictions on wearing masks in closed places is no longer compulsory in most cases, announced the ministry.
Recommended: Saudi Arabia Ends All COVID-19 Restrictions
Restrictions on Wearing masks remains compulsory to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Masks are also required for places announced by Weqaya, the Public Health Authority.
Weqaya stated that masks are required at public events, facilities, and public transport that desire to continue higher levels of protection. The ministry emphasized the need to continue wearing masks.
The ministry clarified immunization and Tawakkalna health verification are no longer required to enter facilities, activities, and events.
The same holds for boarding planes and public transport. This exemption is except for vehicles that require immunization and continue verifying health status as per requirements set by Weqaya.
The time duration for the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was extended for the citizens who travel internationally.
Recommended: How to register for the COVID-19 Vaccine in Tawakalna App
The period was extended to eight months instead of three months from receiving the second dose. However, the ministry also specified certain age exemptions.
According to an earlier Twitter statement by the Ministry of Health, people can receive the second dose eight months after taking the first booster dose.
The appointment for a second booster dose can be made through the Sehhaty app.
Last month, the Health Ministry announced that the coronavirus booster dose is available for all above 16. The booster dose is also available for the elderly and persons with chronic diseases.
The new decisions on lifting most restrictions were taken based on the latest statistics on the epidemiological situation.
Recommended: Getting Healthcare insurance in Saudi Arabia
And the reports of the gains achieved in combating the pandemic. The ministry source pointed out the national vaccination program for immunity against the virus in Saudi Arabia.
The source said, “The measures taken above are subject to continuous evaluation by the competent health authorities in the Kingdom, according to the developments in the epidemiological situation.”
