The Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution, has announced heavy penalties and fines on the violations against the curfew imposed throughout the kingdom. There have been 508 cases when people did not follow the preventive measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and 485 cases recorded when people filmed or posted online video footage of curfew violations.
Majid Al-Dasimani, a Public Prosecution spokesman “The penalty for filming and posting curfew violations amounts to five years in prison and an SR3 million ($800,000) fine,” “The penalty for commercial firms (abuse of regulations relating to business ownership) is a fine of up to SR1 million as well as a two-year prison term, in addition to canceling the commercial license, shutting down the firm and deporting the expat workers.” He added.
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabi announced 1,141 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number to 12,772. 10,846 cases are still active while 81 patients are in critical condition. The Health Ministry informed an additional 172 patients have recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,812. However, 5 more deaths have been recorded, raising the death toll to 114. The five latest victims were expats living in Makkah with ages between 50 to 76. Most of them were already suffering from other chronic diseases as well.
As the holy month of Ramadan is about to begin, Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly urged all Muslims to continue to follow precautionary measures such as social distancing, washing hands frequently, maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding handshakes and not sharing personal goods, including praying mats.