What's the government response timeline for Saudi Arabia?

The Ministry of Health conducts campaigns that target citizens and residents (in Arabic, English, Hindy, Tagalog, among others) reporting the number of cases and recommending people how to take preventative measures. https://twitter.com/SaudiMOH/status/1244341052196163585

In February, the Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and control released a comprehensive set of Coronavirus Health Guidelines. The guidelines instruct the public health team or rapid response team to conduct a number of measures for a patient that has the virus, including filling out a contact tracing form (Appendix 3 in the guidelines) https://www.moh.gov.sa/CCC/healthp/regulations/Documents/Coronavirus%20Disease%202019%20Guidelines%20v1.1..pdf

The MoH asked anyone symptomatic or who has been to an affected country to call the established service center so they can be tested. https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2020/03/05/Think-you-have-coronavirus-in-UAE-Saudi-Arabia-Call-ahead-say-officials https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/MediaCenter/News/Pages/News-2020-02-29-002.aspx

The Saudi government locked down and stopped all transport from and to Qatif on March 8th. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/saudi-locks-qatif-coronavirus-surges-gulf-200308142809697.html

The Ministry of Education determined schools and universities would close to stop the spread of the virus. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1638606/saudi-arabia

"Saudi Arabia suspended events in wedding halls, rest houses, event venues and in hotels, an official source in the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Friday" https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2020/03/13/Saudi-Arabia-suspends-events-in-wedding-halls-rest-houses-hotels

Saudi Arabia bans all international flights to Saudi Arabia. Gives 72 hours for residents and citizens to return. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1641271/saudi-arabia

Saudi Arabia suspended the attendance of employees at their workplaces in all government agencies except for those in the health, security and military sectors. As for the private sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development encouraged companies, private institutions, and charitable societies to reduce the numbers of employees and workers attending workplaces and promote working remotely, taking into consideration the continuity of the basic and sensitive work of the security and health sectors. https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2020/03/16/Coronavirus-Saudi-Arabia-halts-workplace-attendance-in-most-government-agencies

"Prevent gatherings in public places designated for recreation, such as parks, beaches, resorts, camps, wild parks and the like." https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2047989

"The curfew will start 7 p.m. local time until 6 a.m. (1600-0300 GMT) for three weeks under a royal decree issued by King Salman." https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200323-saudi-arabia-imposes-curfew-to-curb-coronavirus/

Ban on movement between 13 provinces in Saudi Arabia https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-saudi-arabia-imposes-24-hour-curfew-mecca-and-madina

Saudi Arabia issued a decision to cover 60% of salaries in the private sector https://www.arabianbusiness.com/banking-finance/444303-saudi-government-to-cover-60-of-private-sector-salaries-hit-by-covid-19

"Saudi Arabia is imposing a 24-hour curfew and lockdown on the cities of Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran and Hofuf and throughout the governorates of Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar as of Monday night, the Saudi Press Agency reports citing a source from the interior ministry." https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2020/04/06/Coronavirus-Saudi-Arabia-imposes-24-hour-curfew-in-several-cities-including-Riyadh.html

Eligible people (social insurance beneficiaries, orphans and the disabled) were waived from paying rent for 3 months. http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/591775/SAUDI-ARABIA/Social-insurance-beneficiaries-orphans-and-disabled-exempted-from-paying-rent-for-3-months

Social gatherings of more than five people are forbidden. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-saudi-curfew/saudi-arabia-partially-lifts-curfew-keeps-24-hour-curfew-in-mecca-spa-idUKKCN228015

Saudi Arabia will also now allow travel into and out of the eastern Qatif province, which it sealed off in March, on Thursday. https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/04/saudi-arabia-businesses-reopen-coronavirus-lockdown.html

As lockdowns are lifted around the Kingdom, they are maintained for Makkah https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-saudi-arabia-mecca-most-population-infected

Some offices return to work in Riyadh, although with staggered schedules and strict health protocols https://www.arabnews.com/node/1670761/saudi-arabia

Saudi Arabia issues a 24 hour curfew to stop the spread of COVID-19 during the Eid period https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/eid-goes-online-in-saudi-arabia-as-coronavirus-keeps-people-at-home-1.1024112

the curfew time will be further relaxed in the Kingdom’s regions, except Mecca, between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m, in addition to allowing all public sector entities and private sector companies to return to working from their offices under strict precautionary guidelines, and the resumption of domestic flights. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/saudi-arabia-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

"The ministry highlighted that the new phase will not include COVID-19 examination inside houses or by visiting residences. Instead, the ministry will provide different outlets and options to conduct the tests. It will establish drive-through centers for testing people inside their cars in several cities while also offering testing services at primary health care centers, and allow citizens and residents to book appointments to collect their own test samples through an online application." https://www.arabnews.com/node/1677726/saudi-arabia

There are no reports that suggest that the previous contact tracing policy has been changed. In fact, a news report from 29 May seems to suggest that Saudi Arabia even rolled out a contact tracing app (couldn't find a secondary source). https://gulfnews.com/world/covid-19-tracing-apps-which-countries-are-doing-what-1.1590776744375

Mosques are allowed to reopen; people sent text messages with safety instructions "The text messages, sent by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, urged worshippers to pray two metres (6.5ft) apart, and to refrain from greeting each other with hugs or handshakes. People were told to carry out their usual washing ritual at home, because washrooms at mosques will remain closed." https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52868291

Mosques are allowed to reopen; people sent text messages with safety instructions "The text messages, sent by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, urged worshippers to pray two metres (6.5ft) apart, and to refrain from greeting each other with hugs or handshakes. People were told to carry out their usual washing ritual at home, because washrooms at mosques will remain closed." https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52868291

During the second phase which started on May 31 and is expected to end on June 20, private sector employees were allowed to go back to offices with minimal staff and strict observance of coronavirus precautionary measures, domestic flights, railways and other public transport were allowed to resume, curfew hours were reduced to 8:00pm to 6:00 am in all regions except Makkah. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/sounds-warning-coronavirus-peak-live-updates-200526002031517.html

"From Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 20, movement is permitted in all regions of the Kingdom from 6 AM to 8 PM, with the exception of Jeddah and Mecca." https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

According to Al Arabia 5th June,2020 Saudi Arabia will temporarily reimpose some restrictions in the city of Jeddah starting from June 6 until June 20 as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing the Ministry of Interior as saying .Link: https://english.alarabiya.net/en/coronavirus/2020/06/05/Coronavirus-Saudi-Arabia-halts-all-workplace-attendance-in-Jeddah

Though international travel is ban but some special flights are operating to take back citizens of various countries. So it can be assumed that border is not closed but travel is ban. According to Arab news 31st May Over the months, Pakistan has brought back over 15,000 of its nationals who had gone to Saudi Arabia for Umrah but found themselves stranded amid coronavirus lockdowns in the Kingdom. Link : https://www.arabnews.com/node/1682661/pakistan

According to Aljazeera 26th May,Most of the restrictions will be eased down from 31st May, 2020. "According to the government, physical distancing guidelines are still required, while gatherings of more than 50 people will remain banned.However , restrictions in Mecca will remain in place Link: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/saudi-arabia-curfew-june-21-mecca-200526021532944.html 2: Government reimposed lockdown in Jeddah on 6th June,2020. Link https://english.alarabiya.net/en/coronavirus/2020/06/05/Coronavirus-Saudi-Arabia-halts-all-workp

All schools remain closed; however, KSA also started summer break beginning June 11th. Source 1: https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse Source 2: https://publicholidays.me/saudi-arabia/school-holidays/

Saudi Arabia will end a nationwide curfew and lift restrictions on businesses from Sunday morning after three months of lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, state news agency SPA quoted a source in the interior ministry as saying on Saturday. (Source 1) The entire country had been under a partial curfew of between 20:00 and 06:00 since 31 May, while its second largest city, Jeddah, had been under a more strict curfew of between 15:00 and 06:00 since 6 June in response to a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases there. (Source 2) Source 1 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-saudi/saudi-arabia-to-lift-nationwide-curfew-resume-economic-activities-from-sunday-idUSKBN23R0KL Source 2 (not archivable) https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2116403-saudi-arabia-lifts-nationwide-covid19-curfew

No mention of public events, but given that gatherings over 50 are still prohibited, I think this should still be coded as a 2G. "Saudi Arabia has allowed social events — including wedding receptions and other celebrations — to be held from Thursday, with up to 50 people, ensuring guests must wear face masks and abide by the social distancing protocol." Source https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-allows-social-events-weddings-with-up-to-50-people-1.1593635688372

"Saudi Arabia has allowed social events — including wedding receptions and other celebrations — to be held from Thursday, with up to 50 people, ensuring guests must wear face masks and abide by the social distancing protocol." Source

There are no curfew or movement restrictions in effect; all persons?must adhere to social-distancing regulations and wear masks while in public.? Social gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited.? Violators of public health measures are subject to substantial fines. Limited domestic air travel and regional travel by bus, train, and other means of transportation has resumed, but international air travel remains suspended until further notice and land borders, including the causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, remain closed to passenger traffic. https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

There are no curfew or movement restrictions in effect; all persons?must adhere to social-distancing regulations and wear masks while in public.? Social gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited.? Violators of public health measures are subject to substantial fines. https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

Limited domestic air travel and regional travel by bus, train, and other means of transportation has resumed, but international air travel remains suspended until further notice and land borders, including the causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, remain closed to passenger traffic. https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

Limited domestic air travel and regional travel by bus, train, and other means of transportation has resumed, but international air travel remains suspended until further notice and land borders, including the causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, remain closed to passenger traffic. https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

Saudi Arabia issued a decision to cover 60% of salaries in the private sector https://www.arabianbusiness.com/banking-finance/444303-saudi-government-to-cover-60-of-private-sector-salaries-hit-by-covid-19

Eligible people (social insurance beneficiaries, orphans and the disabled) were waived from paying rent for 3 months. http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/591775/SAUDI-ARABIA/Social-insurance-beneficiaries-orphans-and-disabled-exempted-from-paying-rent-for-3-months

The Ministry of Health conducts campaigns that target citizens and residents (in Arabic, English, Hindy, Tagalog, among others) reporting the number of cases and recommending people how to take preventative measures. https://twitter.com/SaudiMOH/status/1244341052196163585

"The ministry highlighted that the new phase will not include COVID-19 examination inside houses or by visiting residences. Instead, the ministry will provide different outlets and options to conduct the tests. It will establish drive-through centers for testing people inside their cars in several cities while also offering testing services at primary health care centers, and allow citizens and residents to book appointments to collect their own test samples through an online application." https://www.arabnews.com/node/1677726/saudi-arabia

There are no reports that suggest that the previous contact tracing policy has been changed. In fact, a news report from 29 May seems to suggest that Saudi Arabia even rolled out a contact tracing app (couldn't find a secondary source). https://gulfnews.com/world/covid-19-tracing-apps-which-countries-are-doing-what-1.1590776744375

No new policy identified for this period.

No new policy identified during this period.

Umrah, the year-round Islamic pilgrimage, is suspended indefinitely and performing either Hajj or Umrah without proper authorization is a criminal offense. https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

Social gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited.? https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

There are no curfew or movement restrictions in effect; all persons?must adhere to social-distancing regulations and wear masks while in public. https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

"Saudi Arabia has confirmed that as of July 23, its citizens in Bahrain can now return to the kingdom via the King Fahd Causeway without prior permission." The causeway had been closed since March 7th. As only Saudi citizens appear to be allowed to cross back to Saudi Arabia I have left it at 4. https://gulfbusiness.com/saudi-arabia-to-bahrain-causeway-reopens-from-july-23/

With Hajj taking place, Saudi authorities initially said only around 1,000 pilgrims residing in the kingdom would be permitted for the hajj, but local media reports say as many as 10,000 will be allowed to take part. Although the US embassy site says there are restrictions on social gatherings of 50 people ( https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/), this is clearly a legal gathering of over 1000 people during Hajj (28 July - 2nd Aug). https://www.arabianbusiness.com/culture-society/450209-muslims-begin-downsized-hajj-pilgrimage https://www.france24.com/en/20200728-saudi-arabia-gears-up-for-downsized-hajj-rituals-due-to-covid-19 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53571886

July 19th: Muslims begin (on 19th) downsized hajj pilgrimage. Saudi authorities initially said only around 1,000 pilgrims residing in the kingdom would be permitted for the hajj, but local media reports say as many as 10,000 will be allowed to take part. Some 70 percent of the pilgrims are foreigners residing in the kingdom, while the rest will be Saudi citizens, authorities said. All worshippers were required to be tested for coronavirus before arriving in Makkah and will also have to quarantine after the pilgrimage. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/culture-society/450209-muslims-begin-downsized-hajj-pilgrimage

Schools still closed at all levels. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Updated info on home isolation guidelines for those living in a household with someone infected with covid-19. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/MediaCenter/News/Pages/News-2020-08-07-001.aspx

With Hajj over, the guidelines are still generally at limits of 50 people to a social gathering. https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has called upon all citizens and residents to use the 'Taakkad' Centres: “The centers are designated for those who do not show COVID-19 symptoms, or who develop mild symptoms after being in close contact with a confirmed case. The centers provide Molecular Diagnostic Test 'Swab Test' Services, and require a prior appointment through 'Sehaty' App. These centers operate 24/7 in Riyadh and Dammam”, stated MOH. https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/MediaCenter/News/Pages/News-2020-08-06-001.aspx

"Domestic air travel and travel within the country by bus, train, and other means of transportation has resumed (...)" Sources: https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

"There are currently no curfew or movement restrictions in effect within the country (...)" Sources: https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

"On August 16, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education decided that all schooling will be virtual for the first seven weeks of the school year. The Ministry will reevaluate in September." Source: https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

"International air travel remains suspended until further notice and land borders, including the causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, remain closed to foreign citizen passenger traffic. The Saudi government suspended issuance of tourist and most other categories of visas due to the COVID-19 pandemic." Source: https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/