Countries around the world are laying down rules for vaccinated and non-vaccinated citizens. In the UAE, vaccinated citizens can enjoy perks whereas, there are some restrictions for those who still haven’t received a jab for covid-19. And now, Saudi Arabia is also introducing a set of rules for vaccinated and non-vaccinated citizens, as the Kingdom aims to ramp up its vaccine process. Here’s everything you must know about it.
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From August 1, People Who Have Received At least One Does Of Vaccine Will Be Allowed Entry In The Malls
Saudi Arabia is doing everything it can to vaccinate its citizens ASAP, and very soon, only vaccinated people will be allowed to enter into any enclosed public places. As per the reports, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will ban people from entering shopping malls unless they have received a jab against Covid-19. The rule will come into effect from August 1, 2021.
وزارة الصحة السعودية: منع غير المحصنين من دخول المراكز التجارية#نشرة_التاسعة#MBC1 pic.twitter.com/RpvR2yvfyF
— MBC أخبار (@MBC24News) June 13, 2021
Saudi Arabia’s 40 Per Cent Of The Population Has Received At Least One Does
People who have received at least one shot will only be allowed to enter the shopping malls. So far, 40 per cent of the Kingdom’s population has received one jab since the start of the vaccination campaign. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia on 12 June announced that only residents and citizens of the kingdom will be permitted to perform Hajj this year. Furthermore, pilgrim numbers have been limited to 60,000, in order to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Also read: Saudi Arabia Lifts Mandatory Quarantine For Vaccinated Travellers From The UAE
Who Can Perform Hajj This Year?
All pilgrims who wish to participate in this year’s Hajj must be between 18 and 65 years of age and must have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the pilgrimage. Besides, they must free of any chronic illness that may require special medical supervision. Pilgrims who have received only the first dose of the vaccine must ensure they take the second dose at least two weeks before they arrive.
Vaccinated pilgrims must carry their vaccination certificates authorised by approved health institutes in their country of origin. In addition, they must also provide a negative PCR test certificate issued by a recognised laboratory not more than 40 hours earlier.
Meanwhile, did you know This Is The World’s Only Place To Be Unaffected And Immune To Coronavirus?
What Are The Rules To Be Followed At The Holy Sites?
All employees working directly or indirectly for Hajj 2021 must be vaccinated. Foreign pilgrims will have to quarantine for three days beforehand. All health documents including vaccination certificates will be verified prior to entry. Besides, all pilgrims must also undergo visual screening procedures at the time of entry. They will then be divided into groups to be transported to the holy sites.
Food must be provided to the pilgrims only inside their rooms; buffet services are banned. When the pilgrims travel to Arafat, they will be handed over sterilized bags and designated pathways will be allotted to help navigate safely. Specific seats will also be assigned, with proper social distancing protocols in place.
This year, Hajj goes digital with the usage of technology to manage the crowd and organize the pilgrimage. Robots will be employed to provide fatwas (edicts), and guidance to the pilgrims. As well as pilgrims will have access to the electronic Qur’an, and the movement of pilgrims will be linked to the computer. All pilgrims will be provided with accurate timings from their arrival in Saudi until they return home safely.