Saudi worshippers urged to wear masks in mosques to stop Omicron spread

All over-18s in the kingdom to get booster jabs by February

Muslim pilgrims wear masks in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. AP

Saudi Arabia has reiterated the need for worshippers to wear masks inside mosques to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus and its variants after the emergence of the breakout Omicron mutation.

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs said worshippers should take precautionary measures in mosques, such as wearing face masks and maintaining a safe distance from other worshippers during prayers.

The ministry called on imams and preachers to educate society about the importance of maintaining public health and following regulations.

The guidance comes just days after the committee in charge of implementing Covid-19 safety measures in Saudi Arabia held its 283rd meeting, chaired by Minister of Health Fahd Al Jalajel.

Saudi Arabia last week detected its first case of the Omicron Coronavirus variant that was first detected in southern Africa this month but may have been circulating undetected much longer.

The World Health Organisation has warned that the new emerging strain is a cause for concern, although scientists are still trying to determine the possible impact.

Early reports indicate it may be highly transmissible, infecting both the vaccinated and those who have recovered from the virus previously, but also appears to be less lethal with many of those catching the new strain only presenting mild to moderate symptoms. It has quickly spread to be the dominant strain among new infections in South Africa and experts are alarmed at how quickly such a mutated strain of the Covid-19 virus has emerged.

Saudi Arabia last week halted flights from 14 African nations, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Saudi Arabia has increased its vaccine push, announcing that everyone aged 18 or over would need to get a booster shot by February.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with second placed Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the background, on Sunday, December 5, 2021. AP

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton compete in the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday, December 5. AFP

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton tussle for the lead. Getty

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton compete for the lead. AP

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton during the race. Getty

Drivers take the start of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah on December 5, 2021. AFP

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton leads at the start of the race. AFP

Jets release smoke as they perform an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP

Jets release smoke as they perform an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP

A jets performs during an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP

Jets perform an air display over the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. AFP

Jets perform an air display over the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. AFP

Drivers and team members pay tribute to the late founder and former team principal of Williams Racing, Frank Williams who died a week before the race. AFP

Lewis Hamilton looks at the trophy prior to the start of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. AP

Red Bull's Max Verstappen before the race. Reuters

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr before the race. Reuters

Drivers stand and take a knee on the starting grid prior to the race. AFP

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. AFP

Drivers race during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Street Circuit. AP

Mechanics work on the car of McLaren driver Lando Norris in the pits. AFP

Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly during the race. AFP

Mick Schumacher's Haas after crashing. Getty

Haas driver Mick Schumacher after crashing. Getty

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon competes in the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. AFP

Race marshals remove the car of Williams driver George Russell after a crash. AFP

A race marshal assists Haas driver Mick Schumacher after his crash. AFP

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen speaks with team members during a second stop in the race. AFP

Lewis Hamilton speaks with team members during a second stop in the race. AFP

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez leaves his car after a collision. AFP

Sergio Perez after crashing. AFP

Life in the kingdom has largely returned to normal, albeit with mask-wearing, testing, social distancing and other health measures. The kingdom has brought back large events – including the kingdom's first F1 race this weekend and the return of the popular Riyadh Season of music and arts events.

Cases are at an all-time low with a seven day average of just 45 new cases. The Kingdom has had a total of 550,000 Covid-19 cases and 8,845 deaths. At least 70 per cent of the population has received one dose of a vaccine and 64 per cent have received two doses.

The Riyadh Season 2021 festival has received more than 4.5 million visitors in a month. All photos: Saudi Press Agency

They included citizens, residents and tourists from Saudi Arabia and abroad.

Riyadh Season created more than 122,000 jobs, said the Saudi Press Agency.

The festival was launched on October 20.

It includes 14 areas: Boulevard Riyadh City, Via Riyadh, Combat Field, Al-Athriyah, Riyadh Oasis, The Groves, Riyadh Winter Wonderland, Riyadh Front, Al-Murabba, Riyadh Pulse, Riyadh Safari, Al-Salam Tree, Khalouha and Zaman Village.

The festival is "the most prominent entertainment destination in the kingdom," said the Saudi Press Agency.

Art, theatre and food are on show in the Saudi capital.