Total lockdown during last 10 days of Ramadan possible

The option of a full lockdown during the last 10 days of Ramadan has been proposed to the government, local media reported.

The announcement comes after the government stated that beginning on April 8 the curfew hours will change to 7:00pm until 5:00am and will stay in effect for two weeks.

The government will be evaluating the health situation in these 2 weeks and if the cases and COVID-19 related deaths do not decrease a total lockdown may be put in place. Then full lockdown may be implemented after April 22 and likely last until after Eid Al Fitr.

Meanwhile, starting on the first day of Ramadan people will be allowed to walk in residential neighbourhoods from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. In addition, people will be allowed to obtain a permit to go to the supermarkets between 7:00pm and 12:00am and food deliveries will be permitted to operate between 5:00am to 3:00am.

As for Tarawih prayers, health authorities will allow for them to go ahead as scheduled but will reduce the timing of the prayer to avoid transmission.