RIYADH — The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has issued new directives allowing unvaccinated children under the age of 12 to enter open air recreational facilities and that is in compliance with certain conditions and protocols. However, the ban on allowing unvaccinated children from entering recreational activities held in indoor spaces would continue. The authority, in coordination with the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), issued the instructions and requirements in this regard within the framework of its role in organizing entertainment events in accordance with the precautionary measures and preventive protocols to stem the spread of coronavirus. As per the instructions, the GEA has exempted children under the age of 12 years from the condition of immunization or recovery from coronavirus infection, and allowed them to enter recreational activities held in open spaces. This provided that they are accompanied by immunized persons, and that they are free from flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat, and that their condition on the Tawakkalna application is "not infected" and "not in contact." The GEA emphasized that preventing children from entering recreational activities held in indoor spaces will continue, and the entry will be limited to those children who are immune by one or two doses of the approved vaccines or within six months of recovery after infection of the virus. The GEA had earlier issued decisions stipulating that the entry to entertainment events be restricted to those who are immune as per the status on the Tawakkalna application. The authority had set earlier 40 percent rate for attending entertainment events held in open spaces, with an emphasis on compliance with precautionary measures such as physical distancing and wearing masks, and the provision of sterilizers at various sites of the event. The GEA urged those who wish to view further details in the guide on health procedures to visit the link https://www.gea.gov.sa/media/3027/events-safety-protocols.pdf
