Saudi Arabia reimposes coronavirus restrictions on Jeddah city for two weeks

Saudi Arabia will reimpose a tighter curfew and other restrictions in the coastal city of Jeddah for two weeks starting on Saturday, to curb the spread of the coronavirus there.

The decision follows a review by the health authorities of the city's epidemiological situation, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The review revealed a large number of patients in intensive care units, an interior ministry source said, according to SPA.

Saudi Arabia reported 2,591 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday, bringing its total to 95,748 - the largest number in the Arab world. The country has recorded 642 deaths.

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia eased some restrictions, and shortened the curfew which now starts at 8 pm (1700 GMT). Prayers are now permitted again in mosques and employees may return to offices across the kingdom aside from in Mecca.

In Jeddah, however, the curfew was lengthened to start at 3 pm and run through to 6 am as of Saturday.

Mosques and restaurants in the city are to close again and gatherings of more than five people will be banned.

Employees working in the public and private sector have been told not to go to work in their offices.

However, domestic flights to and from the city are set to continue.