An official source at the Ministry of Interior has stated that within the Kingdom's efforts to confront coronavirus pandemic, and in implementation of the recommendations of competent health authorities to raise the degree of precautionary and preventive measures in the cities of Makkah and Madinah, to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents, it was decided the following:
First:The curfew will be effective in all parts of the cities of Makkah and Madinahfor a period of 24 hours a day, with continuing ban of entry into and exit fromthe two cities, as of today until further notice. The ban of entry and exitdoes not include those excepted from employees of vital sectors in governmentand private sectors, whose works require continued performance during the banperiod according to what was stated in the Royal Order No. 45942 dated on8/8/1441 AH.
Second:Within the narrowest scope, residents of the neighborhoods of the cities ofMakkah and Madinah are allowed to leave their homes to meet only necessaryneeds such as health care and food supplies, within neighborhoods in which theyreside, during the period from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 pm every day.
Also,those wishing to use banking services and ATMs are allowed according to amechanism set by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) in coordinationwith the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Health.
TheMinistry of Interior called upon everyone that the exit is for adults only andin necessary cases, to ensure that children are not exposed to the causes oftransmission.
Third:Prohibiting the practice of any commercial activities within the residentialneighborhoods of the cities of Makkah and Madinah, except for pharmacies andfood supply stores, gas stations and banking services.
Fourth:Restricting vehicle transportation within the residential neighborhoods of thecities of Makkah and Madinah for the people referred to in clause "Second" toonly one person, in addition to the driver of the vehicle, to reduce contact.
TheMinistry of Interior called on all citizens and residents to use expressdelivery services through smart device applications, to request food andmedicine needs and other excluded goods and services delivered to their homes.
The Ministry assured the people that these measures were taken within the framework of the Kingdom's efforts to preserve public health and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and that they are subject to continuous evaluation with relevant health authorities.
Italso called on everyone to sense individual responsibilities, follow instructions,and adhere to isolation measures for the public interest.
