Saudi Arabia ended the requirement to wear face masks indoors in relaxation of preventive measures related to COVID-19.
A report by Saudi Press Agency (SPA) cited an interior ministry statement, that individuals will no longer be required to wear a face mask indoors, with the exception of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. This is as part of relaxation in preventive measures related to COVID-19.
However, health facilities, public events, airplanes and public transportation can require people to wear masks, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
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These measures come as the kingdom prepares to welcome around 850,000 pilgrims from abroad to participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage with authorities saying that proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter establishments, events, activities, airplanes and public transportation.
The kingdom while dropping a rule requiring proof of vaccination on a mobile app that was needed to enter certain places further asked citizens who wish to leave Saudi Arabia to take a third booster dose after eight months, instead of three months. The new regulation however does not cover people under specific age groups or those exempted from being vaccinated by the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia.
