Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi Arabia has suspended attendance at workplaces in all government agencies for a period of 16 days, with the exception of health, electricity, security, and military facilities, as well as remote education entities, a source at the Ministry of Interior told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The move comes as part of the preventive and precautionary measures to control the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which has reached 149 countries around the world and become a global pandemic.

Moreover, Saudi authorities will close commercial markets and malls, with the exception of pharmacies and food retailers, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, which will be allowed to work 24/7.

However, shops have to regularly sterilize shopping carts after every use.

In food and beverage shops, service will be limited to take away orders, as customers will not be allowed to sit at the indoor designated service tables.

Gatherings in recreational and public places, such as parks, beaches, resorts, camps, wild parks will also be prohibited.

Auctions will also be halted, according to the kingdom’s news agency.

Government and private entities have been encouraged to increase dependence on remote communications, through telephone and online platforms.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is also encouraging companies to reduce the number of employees attending at workplaces, allowing more employees to work remotely.

Moreover, all companies are now required to apply a 14-day home quarantine for all expatriate workers from the date of their arrival.

It is worth noting that the Saudi General Directorate of Passports is extending visas for visitors who are unable to travel from Saudi Arabia after halting all international flights for a period of two weeks.

The Ministry of Health reported 15 new cases of COVID-19 bringing the total number of registered cases to 118.