Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior warned on Thursday against spreading rumors about COVID-19 across social media platforms and applications.

The Ministry has confirmed that the penalty for spreading rumors and false information about the coronavirus is a fine of between SR100,000 and SR1 million, or imprisonment for a period no less than one year and not exceeding 5 years or both.

In the event of a repeat of the violation, the penalty will be doubled, the ministry noted.

The Ministry stressed the importance of not spreading false information that might cause people to panic, or incite them to violate the precautionary measures.