Cairo: Saudi authorities have imposed SR1 million for spreading rumours or false news about COVID-19, as the kingdom has intensified mass vaccinations against the potentially fatal disease.
The Interior Ministry has said that a fine of up to SR1 million or jail terms ranging from one year to maximum five or both penalties will be meted out for anyone convicted of rumour mongering or spreading false information about the pandemic, according to Saudi media.
Repeat offenders could face double penalties.
Saudi Arabia initiated mass vaccinations against COVID-10 on December 17. Authorities have offered the vaccination to citizens and foreign residents for free. Over 7.3 million doses have since been administered at 587 vaccination centres across the kingdom, according to the latest official figures.
The kingdom has recently expanded the inoculation campaign, urging citizens and expatriates to register to get vaccinated.
Health authorities so far have confirmed a tally of 405,940 virus cases and 6,834 fatalities.
