Manama: The Gulf countries adopted more stringent measure that aims to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19 as the number of confirmed infection rose to 2377 in the region.
Saudi Arabia, where over 1,000 coronavirus infections and two deaths, has imposed travel restriction in thirteen regions of the country starting Thursday to stem the spread of the deadly pathogen. Residents of these regions are prohibited from leaving their region or moving to another region, the state run SPA news agency said. According to the new measures, no one is allowed to enter or exit Riyadh, Mecca and Madina cities as curfew was intensified in these cities.
Unlike other regions in the Kingdom, longer curfew hours have been imposed on Riyadh, Mecca and Madina, starting Thursday. According to the new measure, now the curfew begins in these cities at 3 pm instead of 7 pm and continued until 6 am. The Ministry of Interior has been entrusted full authority to implement the curfew and authorities have the freedom to declare 'stay at home' orders if they see it needful.
The coronavirus pestilence is prompting unprecedented measures around the world. Since the spread of the pandemic, Saudi Arabia has taken many strict measures including suspension of flight services, and imposing partial curfew since Friday. Quoting Saudi Ministry of Interior, SPA said, violators of the curfew may face a fine of up to SR10,000. Those who repeat violation for the second time, the fine will be doubled, and those who repeat it for the third time could face jail not exceeding 20 days.
Meanwhile, authorities in Oman instructed its citizens and residents to keep social distancing whenever they need to go outside. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry warned that shops that do not enforce social distancing would face legal action. Shops have to ensure two-metre physical distance between one consumer and the other near the check-out area, and sterilising shopping carts and surfaces, and provide consumers with sterilisers.
The UAE has launched a nationwide disinfection programme for the weekend. The cleaning and sterilisation drive, which began Thursday, is done from 8pm to 6am, will continue until Sunday morning. Residents have been strictly directed to stay home, limiting movement strictly while the disinfection process happens and to not leave their homes except for buy food, basic essentials or medical care.
Due to the disinfection, Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai was deserted on Thursday night, as people follow the authorities and stayed indoors.Public transport services, including taxis, are restricted in this time. Traffic and public movements is normal during the day time, but is restricted during the disinfection time, and anyone leaving their home for any reason must carry their Emirates ID, said Ministry of Interior. During the disinfection drive, motorists were banned to use their vehicles on the streets unless emergency. Workers in vital sectors are excluded from restriction but will be subject to their ID verification. According to the measure, those who work in essential sectors including supermarkets, health care, security and the military, can leave their homes.
Social distancing is very important right now. People must avoid going camping, to farms or to a majlis and should not go any internal trips this weekend, said Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the UAE health sector.
The government also announced additional measures that will help commuters maintain social distancing. Passengers are requested to be vigilant while using public buses and to ensure leaving a distance from others, said the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
