Saudi Arabia Shuts Border, Suspends International Flights Amid The New COVID-19 Strain

by Yogita Chainani
Saudi Arabia Shuts Border, Suspends International Flights Amid The New COVID-19 Strain

The new mutated strain of covid-19 is causing a massive scare in the UK. And to curb the situation, several countries have now stopped flights to and from the UK. Some countries have also shut their borders to handle this situation. Oman, which opened for tourists earlier this month has closed its borders from today for a week. Saudi Arabia has also suspended all international commercial flights for a week except for the foreign flights already in the kingdom which will be allowed to leave. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Also read: New Zealand To Give Free COVID-19 Vaccines To Its Citizens & Close-By Nations

Saudi Arabia Suspends Entry Through Air, Land And Sea

Saudi Arabia state news agency added that the entry to the kingdom through land and seaports will be also suspended for a week. The decision was swiftly made after a potent new strain of the virus was found in the UK and other European countries. As per the news, some flights will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances. People returning to Saudi from European countries or high-risk countries after December 8 is required to quarantine for two weeks from the date of their arrival. Passengers also have to undergo a Covid-19 test during their self-isolation period and repeat the test every five days.

Also read: Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah To Host Formula 1 For The First Time In 2021

Credits: visitsaudi.com

The Kingdom Of Saudi Will Assess The Situation And Take Further Action Accordingly 

Anyone returning from or transited through a European or high-risk country within the last three months also have to undergo the test. For the restrictions, depending on the scenario and situation, it will be renewed and passed keeping the development in mind. The state-run Saudi Press Agency said the kingdom might extend the measure for another week depending on the nature of the virus spread.

Also read: The First All-Women Ambulance Has Begun Operations In Saudi Arabia

First Published: December 22, 2020 1:09 PM