RIYADH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province have arrested 238 people for breaching isolation and quarantine rules after contracting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The region’s police spokesman, Lt. Col. Mohammed bin Shar Al-Shehri, said security organizations monitoring preventive measures had also held other people for violating mandatory quarantine imposed on them when entering the Kingdom.
Preliminary legal procedures had been taken against the individuals and their cases referred to the relevant authorities, he added.
Those breaking the Kingdom’s COVID-19 regulations could face fines of up to SR200,000 ($53,000), a maximum of two years in prison, or both. The penalty is doubled for repeated violations.
Non-Saudis found to have breached quarantine rules run the risk of being deported and permanently banned from the country.
