Saudi: 73 stores shut for violating coronavirus measures

Author August 4, 2020

1 minute read

Authorities in the Saudi holy city of Medina have shut down 73 stores for failing to observe health precautions against the new coronavirus.

The shutdowns came during a campaign by the city’s municipal authorities on food stores and markets to ensure their compliance with preventive measures, the Saudi news agency SPA reported.

The field teams also took 479 food samples to examine them at labs to ensure they are fit for human consumption. A total of 2,100 litres of sanitisers were used in disinfecting facilities during the on-site inspections, according to the report.

The Medina municipality said it would continue inspection tours, and urged members of the public to report violations via the hotline 940.

In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has eased many coronavirus-related restrictions. But authorities have repeatedly warned against infringing measures in place against the virus spread.

The kingdom so far has reported a total of 278,835 virus cases and 2,917 related fatalities.