Saturday, according to the data issued by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, 2,446 establishments from various sectors have been closed due to violating Defense Order No. 20, and 4,650 citizens were issued violations for not adhering to precautionary measures set by the Ministry of Health.

Nov. 11, the Minister of Interior directed the authorities to activate Defense Order No. 20, which prevents overcrowding and any other forms of non-compliance. The order involves an increase in the number of government and official agencies (12) authorized to conduct inspections regarding compliance with health and safety measures.

The new defense order was activated due to the huge increase in coronavirus cases in the Kingdom and in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

The authorities in charge of implementing the Defense Order No. 20 conducted about 169,500 visits to various facilities from the periods Oct. 15 to Jan. 15.

According to the data, the regulatory authorities closed 1,726 supermarkets and stores that sell food and vegetables; 130 restaurants and coffee shops; 284 stores that sell electrical appliances and household equipment; 42 bakeries; 45 clothing stores, three quarries, and closed other facilities in multiple sectors.

The regulatory authorities carried out 800 visits to facilities Friday after the total lockdown was lifted, and 58 citizens were issued fines for not wearing face masks.

The Ministry indicated that the authorities are continuing to monitor facilities and individuals in all governorates to ensure compliance with public safety requirements and to take the necessary measures against violators.