JEDDAH: Municipalities in the Kingdom have stepped up their efforts to ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety measures designed to protect public health.

The municipality of Jeddah governorate carried out 7,249 inspection tours of commercial centers and facilities and identified 44 violations.

The Eastern Province municipality carried out 1,160 inspection tours across shopping malls, commercial centers and stores. These checks resulted in the closure of one commercial outlet, while 28 violators were given penalties for ignoring health regulations.

Asir municipality also carried out 690 inspection tours across food facilities, shops and markets. The authorities closed 42 commercial outlets for breaching coronavirus protocols.

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

The Tawakkalna app was launched last year to help track COVID-19 cases and has been developed and updated to include vaccination information, including an individual’s status such as vaccinated or infected, and now functions as a COVID-19 “passport.”

The municipalities urged all commercial facilities to abide by the regulations to ensure public safety and prevent the virus from spreading.

Officials have urged the public to report any suspected health breaches by phoning the 940 call center number or contacting authorities through the Balady app.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

© Saudi Press Agency 2021