CORONAVIRUS: 24-HOUR DAILY CURFEW IN MECCA, MEDINA

Thu 02 April 2020:

Saudi Arabia enforced a 24-hour daily curfew in Mecca and Medina, effective immediately on Thursday, until further notice, according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior.

Residents in both cities may leave their homes only for necessary reasons such as buying food and for medical care only between the hours of 6 a.m. till 3 p.m. Residents going out must remain within their residential area.

All commercial activities were shut down in both Mecca and Medina as well on Thursday. Only pharmacies and grocery stores are allowed to operate.

Last week, King Salman bin Abdulaziz approved measures that placed Riyadh, Mecca and Medina on lockdown, which is still in effect. Residents are still banned from entering or exiting the cities.

The ministry said curfew exemptions still apply to those in vital public and private sectors such as security, military and media. Those who work in health services are also excluded from the curfew.

A total of 1,885 people have contracted the virus in Saudi Arabia as of Thursday and 21 people have died, according to the health ministry. Of the total cases, 328 people have recovered.