Representational file picture
Head of the Ehteraz Committee at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), Major Masoud Jamaan Al Qahtani, has said that the MoI has deployed foot patrols in public areas, mostly commercial complexes, to check people’s compliance with coronavirus precautionary measures.
Since the Ministry started its drive two weeks ago, more than 1,500 people were referred to the Public Prosecution for non-compliance with wearing masks in places where they are mandatory.
In the same period, more than 90 people were referred to the Public Prosecution for violating the limit allowed in a vehicle, which is specific as four persons, including the driver, expect for members of the same family.
Al Qahtani pointed out that the recent period witnessed an increase in the violation for non-compliance with wearing masks and the limit allowed in a vehicle.
“This has led the authorities to take measures including announcing the number of violators to discourage others from these violations.”
He said that the authorities concerned are doing this to implement the cabinet’s decisions regarding preventing infectious diseases.
The cabinet issued several important decisions, including a set of precautionary measures aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Al Qahtani, while speaking to a local TV channel, said that violators are caught through checkpoints carried out by the authorities departments in the MoI throughout the week.
“Legal actions are taken against the violators for non-compliance with wearing masks in places where they are mandatory.”
Those caught flouting the limit of persons allowed in a vehicle, specified as four, including the driver, except for the same family members, are also arrested.
These actions are being taken as part of the continuing efforts of the competent authorities at the Ministry of Interior to ensure compliance with preventive and precautionary measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The Ministry has urged people that “wearing a mask, observing physical distancing in public places and keeping the Ehteraz app active are essential measures to safeguard you and others from the risk of coronavirus.”
It added: “Compliance with precautionary measures to curb the spread of coronavirus is our obligation.”
