Saudi announces 24-hour lockdown for Eid holiday
Saudi Arabia previously relaxed some of its anti-virus restrictions.
Saudi Arabia announced a five-day round-the-clock lockdown for the Eid al-Fitr holiday today to combat COVID-19.
The lockdown will begin May 23. Until then, businesses can remain open and people will be able to move freely from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Reuters reported.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and will start later this week or early next week. Observers fast during the day time during the month and then have a series of feasts with friends and family for Eid.
Saudi Arabia began easing its anti-coronavirus restrictions late last month, allowing businesses to reopen and more civilian movement. However, the kingdom has since gotten stricter. Last week, the government created a new special police unit to enforce social distancing regulations that prohibit gatherings of more than five people.
