Saudi Arabia suspends all international flights over new strain of COVID-19

Authorities in Saudi Arabia have suspended all international flights for at least one week over a new strain of COVID-19.

Entry to the Kingdom through land and seaports has also been suspended and this period may be extended by another week.

The decisions were made in response to the emergence of a potent new strain of the virus in the UK and other European countries.

According to the state-run Saudi press agency, the flight ban may be extended by another week “until medical information about the nature of this virus becomes clear”.

Anyone who has returned to the Kingdom from European countries or high-risk countries after Dec. 8 is required to quarantine for two weeks from the date of their arrival.

They must also undergo a COVID-19 test during their self-isolation period and repeat the test every five days.

This development comes after Matt Hancock, health secretary of the United Kingdom, warned that the new strain of the coronavirus is “out of control”.

The movement of goods, commodities, and supply chains from countries where the mutated virus has not appeared will continue as usual.

These travel restrictions will be reviewed in accordance with coronavirus related developments.