COVID-19: 76 people arrested in Saudi Arabia for flouting isolation rules

Abu Dhabi: Saudi police arrested 76 people infected with COVID-19 for violating the isolation rules, a security official said, as the kingdom has stepped up efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

The 76 were arrested in several governorates for infringing isolation instructions after they had tested positive for coronavirus, a spokesman for police in the Eastern Province added.

“Their behaviour is considered a violation of the precautionary and preventive measures taken to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. Disciplinary procedures have been taken against them and they have been referred to public prosecution,” he said.

Double punishment

According to Saudi laws, violations of isolation rules are punishable by a maximum fine of SR200,000 or jail time of up to two years or both penalties. Repeat offenders face double punishment.

Saudi Arabia so far has confirmed a tally of more than 417,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 7,000 related fatalities.