Mecca to remain shut as Saudi Arabia relaxes COVID-19 lockdown 

Saudi Arabia on Sunday relaxed its nationwide curfew which was imposed last month to curb an outbreak of the novel Coronavirus in the country.

Saudi King, Salman ordered that the curfew be partially lifted starting from Sunday until May 13, allowing people to go out from 9 am (0600 GMT) until 5 pm, the state Saudi news agency, SPA reported.

However, a 24-hour curfew will remain in place in the holy city of Mecca, NAN reports.

The monarch also permitted some businesses, including shopping centres, retail, wholesale stores, and factories, to reopen for two weeks, beginning from next Wednesday.

The agency said the latest steps were taken following recommendations from health institutions and the monarch’s interest to ease restrictions on the public.

Saudi Arabia, so far has reported a total of 1,699 COVID-19 cases and 136 deaths.

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, had suspended Ramadan prayers as part of measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus. https://dailypost.ng/2020/04/13/covid-19-saudi-arabia-suspends-ramadan-prayers-tells-muslims-what-to-do/