7 New Rules In Saudi Arabia, From Not Having To Wear Masks To Removing Social Distancing In Mosques

Muslims wear masks and keep their distance during tawaf around the Kaaba during the Hajj season in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday (31/7/2020). (Antara/Reuters/Saudi Press Agency)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia relaxed several rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At least seven regulations were lifted, including wearing masks in public places and social distancing in mosques.

"Saudi Arabia no longer enforces or stops the implementation of social distancing at the Grand Mosque, the Prophet's Mosque, and other mosques", said the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) Jeddah, Endang Jumali, in a written statement, quoted from Antara, Monday, March 7.

Second, Saudi Arabia will also no longer enforce or stop the implementation of distancing measures in all places, both closed and open, as well as at activities and events.

The third provision, said Endang, is that Saudi Arabia no longer requires people to wear masks when in the open. The mandatory use of masks is only enforced in closed places.

"Fourth, Saudi also does not require certificates with negative results from approved PCR tests or antigen rapid tests before arrival to the Kingdom", he said.

However, in the fifth rule, Saudi Arabia requires travelers with all types of visit visas to have insurance to cover medical expenses from COVID-19 infection during their stay in the kingdom.

"Sixth provision, Saudi Arabia has also canceled the implementation of institutional quarantine and home quarantine for migrants", he said.

Lastly, Saudi Arabia has lifted the suspension of direct arrivals to the Kingdom and lifted the suspension of all flights arriving and departing from 17 countries.

These countries are South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, Union of Comoros, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.