Facemasks no longer mandatory in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has announced the lifting of measures that had been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the state news agency (SPA) reported, citing an official in the interior ministry.

The measures lifted include the requirement to wear face masks in closed places, with the exception of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, in addition to places and events that impose their own mask mandates.

Proof of vaccination on the Tawakkalna application is no longer required to enter establishments, events, activities, airplanes and public transportation, but there will be some exceptions.

Meanwhile, citizens who wish to travel abroad will now be required to take a third booster dose after eight months instead of three months but the new rule does not apply to people falling under specific age groups or those who have been exempt from being vaccinated by the Ministry of Health.

Authorities have also advised people to take the third booster shot to protect themselves from the virus.