RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Public Health Authority (Weqaya) announced the updated coronavirus health protocols for open recreational spaces such as public parks, walkaways and beaches. According to the updated protocols, fully immunized people are allowed to their full capacity at these places without any physical distancing. The updated protocols related to places that are not covered or walled such as public parks, pedestrian walkaways and beaches that are open to all and without any entry requirements or arrangements from a regulator or supervisor. Weqaya has also defined guidelines and requirements related to protecting workers, visitors, customers and those in charge of recreational facilities from the risks of COVID-19 infection. The updated health protocols stipulated that persons entering public places should be fully immunized as per the status on the Tawakkalna application. This immunization condition is not applicable to those groups who are given exemption from taking vaccine on medical grounds as was shown on the Tawakkalna application. The protocols also emphasized banning street vendors arranged by restaurants and cafes. There is also another provision to limit serving food and drinks only at their designated places. The protocols stressed the importance of washing hands with soap and water frequently for at least 40 seconds each time, or disinfecting hands with an approved disinfectant for a period of no less than 20 seconds in the event of non-availability of soap and water. The authority also noted that cleaners must wear protective tools such as gloves, in addition to masks, when cleaning or disinfecting recreational places and disposing them of in the proper manner and at the designated places.
