Saudi Arabia allows full-capacity attendance at two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina

RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia will ease COVID-19 curbs from October 17, the Interior Ministry said on Friday, in response to a sharp drop in daily infections and a considerable development in vaccinations.

The government will lift social distancing measures and will allow full-capacity attendance at the country's two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Medina for those who have taken the full dose of vaccines, the ministry added.

The authorities also canceled curbs on fully vaccinated people at closed venues, gatherings, transportation, restaurants and cinemas.

Masks are no longer mandatory at public open places while still imposed at closed venues, it added.