Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Coronavirus vaccines will be mandatory for all those who provide services to pilgrims and Umrah performers in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has said in its circular.

According to the circular, workers in the Hajj and Umrah services sector, those who man shops in Makkah and Madinah, and all other workers in the two holy cities must take vaccine jabs by Ramadan 1 (April 13).

Those who fail to get vaccinated before the deadline must provide a weekly negative PCR test result at the expense of the employer, the circular added.

The ministry said that its decision is in line with the Ministry of Health’s instructions to curb the spread of coronavirus, protect public health and ensure the return to normal life in the Kingdom.