Saudi Arabia reimposes curfew in Jeddah for 15 days

Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that a curfew will be reimposed in the city of Jeddah from 3 pm to 6 am local time for 15 days starting Saturday due to an increase in coronavirus cases.

Prayers in mosques and working in offices will be suspended for the 15 days and dining in restaurants and cafes will also be stopped, reports the Al Arabiya citing the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

On Friday, Saudi Arabia's health ministry reported at least 2,591 new coronavirus cases with at least 459 new cases recorded in Jeddah alone. The total number of cases in the Kingdom now stands at 95,748.

Last week, the government announced plans to lift the initial curfew fully starting on June 21 in most Saudi cities, SPA said.

Gatherings of more than five people will also be banned, and prayers at local mosques will be suspended.

However, the interior ministry said that all domestic travel through air and land will be allowed, and entry into and out of the city will not be restricted outside the curfew hours.

All essential workers and groups who were previously exempt from restrictions will also be exempt from the new measures given that they continue to adhere to precautionary rules and procedures.

An official from the interior ministry added that the number of cases in the capital Riyadh will also be monitored in the upcoming days to determine whether strict measures must be imposed, according to SPA.

However, as of now all other cities and provinces will not have restrictions reimposed, but if the situations worsens in any city or province, the ministry will be updating its rules in that area.

However, over 1500 new cases have been recorded daily for over a month in the kingdom.

The capital city of Riyadh is also witnessing a continuous increase in coronavirus cases with at least 719 cases recorded on Friday, the Health Ministry said.

The Interior Ministry said that appropriate action will be taken if the case increase continues in the capital, SPA added.