Saudi Arabia's new coronavirus cases drop below 1,000

The kingdom is gradually easing precautions to curb the spread of infection

A Saudi family walks along Riyadh's Tahlia Street after the government loosened coronavirus restrictions. Reuters

Saudi Arabia reported fewer than 1,000 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday for the first time since mid-April.

The kingdom recorded 987 new infections, as it gradually eases precautions put in place to help curb the spread of the virus, including allowing lorries carrying goods from other countries to enter. The number of cases in the kingdom so far is 313,911.

More than six million pupils begin the new school year on Sunday, with distance learning to remain in place for seven weeks.

Last week, Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry said there was a visible decline in the number of confirmed cases of the virus and of patients in critical condition.

"The most important factors that led to this are preventive measures, accessibility of services and the strength of our treatment services system," said assistant Minister of Health Mohammed Al Abd Al Aly.

Relatives of Saudi citizens are allowed to travel into the kingdom at land crossings as of last week.

"The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia will be allowing entry to male and female citizens, and their non-Saudi family members (their husbands, wives, sons, and daughters) and domestic workers residing in the kingdom accompanying them, who wish to return to the kingdom through the land ports of neighbouring countries directly,” the government said.

Those wishing to enter must upload documents proving their relation to a Saudi to an online platform to gain approval before arriving at the border.

All non-citizens entering the kingdom must also bring a negative PCR coronavirus test taken no more than 48 hours before the date of arrival.