Bahrain courts heard 681 cases of COVID violations

Bahrain courts heard 681 cases of COVID violations

Bahrain's courts heard a total of 681 cases of people breaking Covid-19 rules and regulations last year.The information was revealed during the annual Public Prosecution media conference yesterday.The cases included violating ministerial decisions mandating visitors to public places and commercial outlets to wear face masks, adhere to social distancing, avoid more than five-person crowds on roads and public places and comply with the safety regulations in hair and beauty salons, restaurants, coffee shops and establishments containing swimming pools.The regulations also mandate people to abide by the guidelines regarding sport activities in health clubs, sport academies and outdoor stadiums.A total of 871 people stood trial in court last year in connection to breaking the Covid-19 guidelines.Out of the 681 cases, 404 cases belonged to people breaking home quarantine rules, 360 violating health guidelines, 59 not meeting the limit of social gathering, 39 ignoring closing of shops order, seven refusing isolation and two cases of infecting others.Verdicts in 25 of the cases were handled within 24 hours. These rulings were against 33 defendants and 21 shops. They were jailed for up to 12 months and faced fines of up to BD5,000.A total of 83,000 fines were handed out in the cases.“Swift rulings