A popular Jeddah shopping mall has been shut down for failing to comply with precautionary measures designed to combat the spread of Covid-19, according to local media reports.
According to Saudi newspaper reports, the mall, on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street in Jeddah, was closed after municipal inspectors detected gatherings inside the mall, as well as a lack of social distancing and masks.
Additionally, the mall failed to limit the number of shoppers allowed in at one time.
Saudi government regulations governing the private sector mandate that private sector businesses take precautionary measures, including using disinfectants and sanitisers and thermal monitoring for staff and customers at mall entrances.
Other mandatory measures include the sterilisation of trolleys and baskets, the sanitisation of other facilities and the closure of fitting rooms and play areas.
Saudi officials have stipulated fines of SAR 5,000 per each person found in excess of allowed operating capacity, with a maximum fine of SAR 100,000. Penalties can be doubled if the violation is repeated.
On Saturday, Saudi authorities announced 3,366 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the kingdom’s total number of cases to 123,308.
According to Saudi Ministry of Health statistics, there are still currently 39,828 active cases undergoing treatment.
An additional 1,519 new recoveries have also been confirmed, bringing the country’s total to 82,548.
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