Saudi Arabia to ease COVID-19 curbs from October 17

The oil-rich kingdom will lift social distancing measures and will allow full-capacity attendance at the two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina for those who have taken the full dose of vaccines as masks are no longer mandatory at public open spaces.

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia will ease COVID-19 curbs from October 17, the interior ministry said on Friday, in response to a sharp drop in daily infections and a considerable development in vaccinations.

The government will lift social distancing measures and will allow full-capacity attendance at the country's two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina for those who have taken the full dose of vaccines, the ministry added.

The authorities also cancelled curbs on fully vaccinated people at closed venues, gatherings, transportation, restaurants and cinemas.

Masks are no longer mandatory at public open places while still imposed at closed venues, it added.