RIYADH — The concerned security authorities in Saudi Arabia continued their campaigns to monitor the compliance of the public with precautionary measures and preventive protocols to stem the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). They recorded more than 18,000 violations of the regulations within one week, according to the Ministry of Interior. The ministry said on its Twitter account that a total of 18,746 people were booked for their non-compliance of the protocols. Riyadh region topped the highest number of violations, with 5,924 while Makkah region came second with 3,191 violations. The ministry stressed that citizens and expatriates must continue to comply with the preventive measures and abide by the instructions issued by the concerned authorities in this regard. The ministry noted that the coronavirus cases continue to drop with the daily number reaching below 150 and an increase in the number of recovery cases even during the vacation of mid-academic year. The ministry warned earlier against ignoring coronavirus preventive protocols. Any lapse on the part of a citizen or expatriate will invite a hefty fine of SR1,000. "Anyone who deliberately violates the coronavirus precautionary and preventive measures will be punished with a fine of SR1,000," the ministry said. The violations include, not wearing a facemask; not following social distancing measures; refusing to have temperature checked upon entering a private or public facility; and not following protocols when temperature rises to above 38 degrees Celsius.
