Ammon News - Government control agencies closed 2,446 shops and establishments which were in violation of Defence Order No. 20 as they continued a crackdown to ensure compliance with public safety and health standards to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Teams from 13 ministries and government entities have made 16,950 tours of inspection of various facilities across the Kingdom since Dec. 25 following the introduction of the defence order, they said.

According to Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply statics, authorities closed 1,726 supermarkets and food and vegetable stores, 130 restaurants and coffee shops, 284 electrical and household equipment stores, 42 bakeries, 45 clothing shops, 3 quarries, among others of multiple sectors.

In addition, 4,650 individuals were fined having failed to adhere to the defence order during that period by not wearing the facemask, it said.

It said government teams carried out 800 inspection visits to facilities on Friday after the months-long COVID-19 lockdown was lifted, and 58 people were found to have not donned a mask.