Those who recovered from the virus less than 6 months before their travel date are exempted, as well as anyone who has recovered and received one jab of the vaccine, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Saudi Arabia has announced that all Saudi citizens must have two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to be able to travel abroad as of 9th August.
Quoting a source of the Ministry of Interior, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said that the decision excludes those under the age of 12 years, provided they present an insurance policy before travelling.
Those who recovered from the virus less than 6 months before their travel date are also exempted, as well as anyone who has recovered and received one jab of the vaccine.
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It said the decision was based on new waves of infection globally, new mutations, and the “low efficacy of one vaccination dose against these mutations.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health on Monday announced that 1,293 new confirmed cases of the Covid-19 have been reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number to 510,869, including 10,631 active cases.
Of these, there are 1,403 critical cases, while the health condition of the rest is stable, the statement said.
It added that 14 new deaths have been reported, putting the tally of fatalities at 8,089.
Meanwhile, as many as 1,453 cases have recovered, raising recoveries toll to 492,149.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia has assured that mixing doses of COVID-19 vaccines from different brands, which have already been approved in the Kingdom, is safe.
The official spokesman for Ministry of Health (MoH), Dr. Mohamed Al-Abdali, as saying that it is a procedure authorised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and in many countries of the world.
Dr. Al-Abdali said in a tweet, “Incorrect interpretations are being circulated in the media about what was issued by the World Health Organisation about mixing the vaccines. We confirm the safety of mixing the vaccines approved in the Kingdom, based on [inputs from] international research and specialised scientific committees, as this procedure is authorised by WHO and a number of world’s countries.”
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in Riyadh
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, met with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, in Riyadh on Monday.
At the outset of the meeting, the Crown Prince welcomed the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the accompanying delegation on their visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi conveyed the greetings of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Crown Princes of Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi exchanged congratulation on the advent of the blessed Eid Al-Adha.
During the meeting, they reviewed deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries and aspects of bilateral cooperation and ways to support and develop it in various fields. They also discussed the latest regional and international developments and efforts exerted in their regard.
The meeting was attended by Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Cabinet Member; Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense; and Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.
On the Emirati side, the meeting was also attended by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme National Security Council.
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