Saudi: Restaurant shut down as staff tests positive for COVID-19

Municipal authorities have closed a restaurant in south-western Saudi Arabia after two of its workers had tested positive for coronavirus. The aim of the closure is to stem the spread of the virus in the kingdom, according to media reports.

The municipality in the Muhayil Governorate in the Asir region said the shutdown was a precautionary measure until all of the staff in the restaurant are examined having coming in touch with the two infected with the virus.

Local authorities have vowed to close businesses that do not comply with health rules.

“We will not hesitate to shut down any establishment that does not abide by work protocols set by the Health Ministry and other relevant agencies,” head of the Muhayil municipality Saeed Bin Ali said.

While relaxing several virus-induced curbs in recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly warned against violating measures adopted to contain the highly contagious disease including observance of social distancing, mandatory wearing of protective face masks and a ban on large gatherings.

The kingdom so far has recorded a total of 293,037 virus cases and 3,269 related deaths.