Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia reimposes restrictions, curfew in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia will temporarily reimpose some restrictions in the city of Jeddah starting from June 6 until June 20 as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing the Ministry of Interior as saying.

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This comes after the Ministry of Health noticed a spike in the number of cases reported in the area, according to SPA.

The new measures include restricting movement in all areas of the city from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m., halting all workplace attendance for employees in both the private and public sector, and prohibiting dining in all restaurants and cafes, SPA reported.

Gatherings of more than five people will also be banned, and prayers at local mosques will be suspended.

However, the interior ministry said that all domestic travel through air and land will be allowed, and entry into and out of the city will not be restricted outside the curfew hours.

A Saudi Arabian citizen arrives at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah after it reopened following its closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Supplied)

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All essential workers and groups who were previously exempt from restrictions will also be exempt from the new measures given that they continue to adhere to precautionary rules and procedures.

An official from the interior ministry added that the number of cases in the capital Riyadh will also be monitored in the upcoming days to determine whether strict measures must be imposed, according to SPA.

However, as of now all other cities and provinces will not have restrictions reimposed, but if the situations worsens in any city or province, the ministry will be updating its rules in that area.