Saudi Arabia tightens noose on COVID-19 violators

Abu Dhabi: Saudi authorities have stepped up a crackdown on businesses breaching rules to stem the spread of coronavirus as the Kingdom began to return to normal life.

The municipal authorities closed 32 businesses and booked 2,256 others over the past three days for failing to abide by precautionary measures to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, according to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

The offences included 434 related to COVID-19 health protocol, 121 related to failure to apply physical distancing in markets and malls, and 83 overcrowding in labour accommodation, as well as 606 for engaging in an activity without a permit, and 1,012 violations for practicing an activity outside the working hours specified in the permit.

The ministry said inspection teams work around the clock to verify the businesses’ compliance with the instructions issued by the competent authorities, including adherence to work hours, regulating the entry and exit of shoppers, and avoiding crowds, and the continued closure of shops not covered by the decisions to gradually return to business.

A ban is still in place on certain activities that do not provide physical distancing such as barber shops, beauty salons, recreational facilities, cinema theatres and health clubs.

Saudi Arabia has recently eased some virus-related restrictions. Starting from Sunday, movement is allowed daily from 6am (7am UAE time) until 8pm across the kingdom, except in the holy city of Mecca. Also, mosques, except in Mecca, are open again for group prayers, as all employees were allowed back to their workplaces.