Saudi Arabia has announced suspension of all international flights and closure of its land and sea borders by one week in a bid to forestall the spread of a new strain of coronavirus. 

Citing Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Gazette Sunday night said the suspension of all flights and closure of land and sea borders will last for one week, subject to further extension.  

“Temporary suspension of all commercial international flights for travelers, except in emergency cases, for a week, which can be extended for another week”, Saudi Gazette reported. “However, the foreign flights that are currently in the Kingdom are allowed to leave. Suspension of the entry to the Kingdom through land and seaports temporarily for a period of one week and it can be extended.”

The development comes following the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK, a situation that has compelled the UK government to impose a Tier 4 lockdown in London and southeastern England to curb the spread of the new strain of coronavirus. 

European countries like France, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Netherlands, Latvia and Belgium have suspended flights to and from the UK in a bid to curb the spread of the new strain of coronavirus into their territories.  

Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted activities in Saudi Arabia, forcing the Saudi authorities to cancel annual religious pilgrimage which usually attracts millions of Muslims faithfuls from across the globe.