Dubai: The Saudi Ministry of Interior has revised guidelines for social gatherings and the list of penalties and fines for violations of the precautionary and preventive measures in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Okaz Arabic daily newspaper reported on Sunday.
As per the newly revised guidelines, social gatherings like mourning or celebration events that take place inside homes, rest houses or farms, are allowed, but attendants should not exceed 50 persons.
Private sector establishments violating precautionary measures and preventive protocols, including wearing medical or cloth face masks covering moth and nose, could face a fine of up to SR10, 000.
The private sector is also required to adhere to precautionary measures: providing their staff with disinfectants and sanitisers, taking the temperatures of both staff and customers at the entrances of shopping malls and commercial centres.
Other measures including sterilising shopping trolleys and baskets after each use, sanitizing facilities and surfaces, closing children’s play areas and fitting rooms in shopping malls and ready wear outlets.
Fines
Violators of these measures will be fined SR10,000, which will be doubled if the violation is repeated for the second time.
Individuals who fail to abide by preventive measures, including wearing medical or cloth face masks, failing to keep the two- metre safe distance and refusing to have their temperatures taken, will be fined SR1, 000. The fine will be doubled if the violation is repeated for the second time.
The ministry stressed that the penalties are aimed at imposing social distancing and regulate human gatherings that are the direct cause of the outbreak of the new coronavirus, in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The ministry highlighted the need for all individuals and entities to abide by health safety rules, social distancing protocol and the new guidelines set for social gatherings.
