The masks are off in public places as Saudi Arabia eases COVID-19 restrictions

Mask-clad clients wait for their table to be sanitised upon arriving at a cafe in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on June 21, 2020. (File/AFP)

• The Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque will also be operating at full capacity for those who have been double jabbed

Saudi Arabia announced on Friday the easing of restrictions previously imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

People will no longer be required to wear masks in open places from Oct. 17, state news agency SPA reported, citing  a source in the Ministry of Interior.

The Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque will also be operating at full capacity for those who have been double jabbed with the vaccine. But workers and visitors will still be required to wear a face mask at all times.

There will no longer be social distancing measures, gatherings will be allowed, while public places, public transport, restaurants, and cinemas, will operate at full capacity.