More than 1,700 people booked for violating COVID-19 safety norms in Qatar

Qatar Police

The Ministry of Interior on Saturday said it referred to Public Prosecution 1,749 people for violations of various COVID-19 safety norms.

Among them, 898 people were booked for not waring masks where they are mandatory. While 831 faced action for not maintaining social distancing, 20 were cited for not downloading COVID-19 contact-tracing app Ehteraz.

The measures are in line with the Cabinet decision, Decree Law No. 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, and the precautionary measures in force in the country to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The designated authorities called on the public to adhere to the precautionary measures in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

The police in Qatar have been busy since they stepped up their crackdown on people ignoring the country's safeguards to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Over past few months, the police referred to the Public Prosecution thousands of people who didn't wear masks in public.

As per a Cabinet decision, drawn from the Law No. 17 of 1990 regarding infectious diseases and preventive measures, people who do not wear masks outside their homes may face penalties of up to three years in prison and/or QR200,000 fine.