Okaz/Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — The Public Prosecution has warned workers against the violation of social gathering protocols that were introduced to stem the spread of coronavirus. Four groups are to be subjected to stringent penalties for their criminal accountability.

They are workers who gathered in violation of the social gathering norms; those who made invitations for the gathering; those who had a role in perpetrating the illegal gathering; and the official of the facility where the gathering was held.

The Public Prosecution emphasized that the gathering of five or more workers inside homes or buildings under construction, rest houses, farms, and similar facilities other than their accommodation has been prohibited.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Interior earlier announced penalties for violation of social gathering protocols by workers with gathering of five or more people in places other than their accommodation.

A maximum of SR100,000 in fines will be slapped on companies and establishments or their officials; and up to SR10,000 for individual workers for the violation. The violators will be deported and will be barred from reentering the Kingdom.

According to the ministry, the violations include crowding of five or more workers in a specific place that is not associated with their residential place.

The ministry urged the public to inform it about any illegal gathering by making a call to the toll free number 999 in all regions of the Kingdom and 991 in Makkah region.