COVID-19 protocol violations: 68 outlets shut in Jeddah, 555 shops fined in Eastern Province

The office of Jeddah municipality. (SPA)

• The violations included noncompliance with social distancing and mask-wearing, leniency in measuring the temperature of customers, overcrowding issues, and a failure to effectively use the Tawakkalna app

JEDDAH: Saudi municipalities have ramped up efforts to monitor compliance with anti-COVID-19 health and safety measures.
The municipality of Jeddah carried out 9,890 inspection tours of commercial centers and facilities, identifying 94 violations. Authorities closed 68 commercial outlets for breaching protocols.
The Eastern Province municipality also carried out 9,778 inspection tours in shopping malls, commercial centers and stores. It issued penalties to 555 businesses.
The violations included noncompliance with social distancing and mask-wearing, leniency in measuring the temperature of customers, overcrowding issues, and a failure to effectively use the Tawakkalna app.
The app was launched last year to help track COVID-19 cases and has been updated to show vaccination information, including an individual’s status, such as vaccinated or infected. It now functions as a “COVID-19 passport.”
Municipalities urged all commercial facilities to abide by regulations to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of the disease. Authorities have urged members of the public to report any suspected health breaches by phoning the 940 call center number or by contacting authorities through the Balady app.