Cinemas, restaurants to reopen as Saudi Arabia prepares to relax Covid restrictions

Cinemas, restaurants to reopen as Saudi Arabia prepares to relax Covid restrictions

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to relax some coronavirus precautionary measures including the reopening of cinemas and restaurants.

An official source at the Ministry of Interior said the lifting of restrictions will take effect from Sunday and will include the reopening of cinemas, indoor entertainment centres as well as restaurants, gyms and sports centres.

A Ministry of Interior official said there has been "increase in the epidemic curve in some regions of Saudi Arabia that were caused by lax implementation of the preventive and precautionary measures".

In a statement carried by Saudi Press Agency on Saturday, the ministry source said: "The decision of lifting the suspension will be implemented from March 7" with the exception of some procedures.

These include a continuing suspension of events and parties such as weddings and corporate meetings in banquet halls and independent wedding halls or hotels until further notice.

Saudi Arabia is also retaining the maximum number allowed at gatherings to 20 people, the source said, adding that everyone must remain committed to precautionary measures and protocols approved for all activities.

Saudi Arabia will also increase the number of inspection campaigns during the next few weeks to ensure that all individuals and facilities adhere to the precautionary measures, warning that