Saudi Arabia has imposed a nationwide lockdown and barred the entry and exit from Mecca, Medina, and Riyadh in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.
King Salman ordered precautionary measures to halt the spread of the virus in the Kingdom, which has recorded 767 cases.
The drastic measure will take effect beginning at 3 PM of Thursday, March 26.
“Residents of the thirteen provinces of the kingdom will be banned from leaving them or moving to other areas,” the statement read.
The curfew in Mecca, Medina, and Riyadh will begin at 3 PM and will be subject to change based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and concerned agencies.
