COVID-19: Saudi police fine 159 people in Mecca for not wearing face masks

Abu Dhabi: Police in Saudi Arabia have slapped fines on 159 violators in Mecca for failing to wear face masks, Saudi media reported.

“Some 159 people in Mecca have been fined 1,000 riyals each for failing to abide by COVID-19 health protocols and not wearing masks,” spokesperson of the Mecca Police said.

Police warned people who don’t wear face masks or fail to adhere to social distancing rules will be fined SR1,000.

People who refuse to be checked for temperature when entering public or private sectors buildings will also be fined SR1,000, police added.

Businesses that fail to provide disinfectants and sanitisers at designated slots will be slapped with a fine of SR10,000.

Companies that don’t sterilise shopping carts and baskets after each use or those who don’t measure the temperature of both employees and visitors at the entry points of shopping centres and malls will also face a fine of SR10,000.

Additionally, companies that fail to sanitise commonly used facilities will face the same fine (SR10,000).

Police said private sector facilities that allow people to enter their premises without wearing medical or cloth masks will incur a fine of SR10,000, adding that such fines are aimed at organising gatherings and making social distancing mandatory, as it is the leading cause of coronavirus outbreak.

They urged all members of the public to adhere to precautionary instructions, social distancing rules, and avoiding all forms of gatherings. A maximum of 50 people will be allowed to attend family or non-family gatherings inside homes, farms, or rest areas or to be involved in social gatherings such as weddings or mourning tents.