Abu Dhabi: Saudi authorities have shut down the Dammam Marina Mall for flouting COVID-19 protocols, local media reported.
The Al Khaleej Street shopping mallfailed to measure temperature of shoppers and to post information about its capacity, officials said.
The mall also lacked the Tawakkalna App, used to control the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Shopping malls have been given strict rules, including being required to disinfect every 24 hours and a ban on cash payments.
Shoppers must adhere to social distancing at all times and no child under the age of 15 is allowed to enter. Mall entertainment venues such as play areas and arcades, as well as prayer rooms and changing rooms, remain closed.
Shoppers and store employees must wear face masks at all times and shopping mall operators must provide enough security personnel to ensure that all visitors adhere to the restrictions.
The regulations require that all benches, chairs and rest areas are removed from corridors, and medical examination and sterilisation units must be placed at mall entrances to measure people’s temperature. Anyone with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius is not permitted to enter malls.
If a case of coronavirus is suspected, the person must be placed in a designated isolation room, and health authorities notified immediately.
