27 people in the Holy city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia have been arrested for not following quarantine rules after having tested positive for the coronavirus.

Saudi Press Agency reports that preliminary legal measures have been taken against them, in preparation for their referral to the Public Prosecutor.

SPA reports that failure to quarantine after testing positive is viewed by Saudi authorities as a violation of the measures taken to fight the pandemic. The provisions and penalties for violators states punitive measures as up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to 200 000 riyals ($53 000). According to SPA if it’s a repeat offence, violators could face double penalties and as well as double jail time.

Umm Muhammed Umar