COVID-19: Saudi authorities book 29 shopping malls for breaking health protocols

Abu Dhabi: The Municipality of Asir Region, southwest Saudi Arabia, has booked 29 shopping malls for breaching precautionary measures to stem the spread of coronavirus, local media reported.

The Mayor of Asir region, Dr. Walid Al Hamidi, explained as per the Saudi protocols, businesses are required to adhere to precautionary measures which include providing their staff with disinfectants and sanitisers, plus take the temperatures of both staff and customers at the entrances of shopping malls.

He added other measures include sterilising shopping trolleys and baskets after each use, sanitising facilities and surfaces, plus closing children’s play areas and fitting rooms in shopping malls and ready-wear outlets.

Dr. Al Hamidi said any gathering of shoppers or workers inside or outside a shopping mall in a way that exceeds the numbers stipulated in the precautionary measures and preventive measures, will attract a penalty of 5,000 riyals for each person exceeding the stipulated numbers, but not exceeding 100,000 riyals.