Saudi Arabia imposes 24 curfew on Riyadh and other cities amid coronavirus pandemic

Saudi Arabia placed its capital Riyadh and other big cities under a 24-hour restrictions, locking down much of the national population, part of expanded efforts to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

The new restrictions also applies to the cities of Riyadh, Tabuk, Damam, Dharan, Hofuf, and the provinces of Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar, a statement from the interior ministry said.

Entry to or exit from those areas will not be allowed, except for vital workers. Residents are allowed to leave their homes for medical or food needs inside their residential area and between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. only.

Saudi Arabia reported four more deaths from the virus on Monday, bringing the total death toll there to 38.

Saudi's eastern oil-producing province of Qatif, where the kingdom's first coronavirus cases were reported among Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims returning from Iran, has been on lockdown for four weeks.