Clothing stores in Saudi Arabia are reopening today after weeks of closure, as the kingdom attempts to revive economic activities despite rising coronavirus cases, but safety protocols will remain.

Major fashion retailer Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair & Co. announced that its shops across the country are resuming business effective June 21, with safety precautions in place, including eliminating the use of fitting rooms.

Keeping changing rooms off-limits has been a part of the reopening strategy of many business owners in various retail markets around the world, as they seek to restore consumer confidence and attract foot traffic.

Saudi Arabia has just announced it will be lifting its nationwide curfew today and allow all business activities to return to normal.

In a statement to the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair said other measures will also be observed, including limits on the number of customers allowed in the shops at any given time.

Shop personnel will be required to wear personal protective equipment at all times, while customers are being encouraged to use contactless payments, either through credit or debit cards.

Saudi Arabia has so far recorded more than 150,000 coronavirus cases, with 1,230 deaths and over 98,000 recoveries.

The ban on international travel to the kingdom remains in effect.

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)

cleofe.maceda@refinitiv.com

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