Saudi Arabia to lift COVID-19 travel restrictions after 1st January 2021
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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will partially lift its suspension of international flights from September 15 for a limited number of people with exceptional circumstances.
The interior ministry said all international travel restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 will be lifted after January 1. People will be allowed to leave and return to the Kingdom via land, sea and air borders.
Exceptional categories include public and military sector employees, diplomats and their families, those working for public or non-profit private sector jobs abroad, businessmen, patients who need treatment abroad, those studying abroad as well as people with humanitarian cases, and sports teams.
GCC citizens and non-Saudi residents with valid residency, or visitors' visas will be allowed to enter the kingdom as of September 15 conditional on proving they are COVID-19 negative.
The specific date for the lifting of restrictions will be given 30 days before the end of the year and the health ministry may stipulate preventative measures on travelers and transport providers during travel and at airports, ports and stations.
A plan will be announced to allow the performance of Umrah gradually according to developments.
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Sandalwood actor Mayur Patel booked for drunk driving after chain accident in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Sandalwood actor Mayur Patel was booked by Halasuru Traffic Police late Wednesday night for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a serial accident near the Command Hospital junction in Domlur, Deccan Herald reported.
The accident occurred around midnight on Old Airport Road when Patel, who was driving a Toyota Fortuner, allegedly lost control and rammed into a line of vehicles stationary at the traffic signal, police said.
At least three vehicles, including two Swift Dzires and a government-registered car, were damaged in the collision.
One of the victims, identified as Srinivas, whose car was significantly damaged, filed a formal complaint. "I was waiting at the signal when a massive thud from behind pushed my car into the one in front. It was total chaos," he said.
After receiving information from the control room, Hoysala patrolling teams rushed to the spot and detained the actor. He was later taken to the police station, where a breathalyser test showed alcohol levels above the legal limit.
Police also found that the SUV was being driven without valid insurance. The police have since seized the vehicle.
"A case has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC and the Motor Vehicles Act for drunk driving and reckless endangerment. The actor was taken into custody and further legal proceedings are underway," a senior police officer said.
Mayur Patel, who has acted in films such as Mani, Udees and Gunna, and was also a contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada, has been largely away from the limelight in recent years.
