Coronavirus: Curfew violators in Saudi Arabia to face fines of up to SR10,000

Dubai: Violators of the curfew in Saudi Arabia may face a fine of up to SR10,000. Those who repeat violation for the second time, the fine will be doubled, and those who repeat it for the third time could face jail not exceeding 20 days, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Monday. The curfew, starting on Monday from 7pm to 6am, was imposed by King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz as part of the kingdom’s stringent precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The curfew follows the increasing number of infections in the largest country in the Gulf, which reported 51 new cases on Monday, bringing the total to 562, including 19 recoveries. The fine will be doubled for those who are found to be repeating the same violation. 

Authorities have urged citizens to stay at home during the coming period, especially during the curfew , and to not leave their homes except in emergencies and extreme necessity. The strict measures aim to safeguard the public health.

All community members were urged to stick to hygiene rules and preventive measures to protect themselves and others. Those working in vital sectors, including security, military and media, as well as staff working in the sensitive health and service sectors, are exempted from the curfew, since their nature of work requires them to continue performing their jobs during the curfew period.

The Ministry called upon the public to adhere to preventive measures, follow news updates on the health developments from the official government sources and disregard rumours and not circulate them.

"Violators will be subject to legal actions," the Ministry affirmed.