Saudi Arabia registered on Monday 51 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing its tally to 562.
Health ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdulali revealed that 19 patients have recovered from the virus, underscoring that no deaths have been reported.
Moreover, he warned people against being deceived by claims that a vaccine for the virus has been found. Developing the vaccine is a long and complicated process, he stressed in a press briefing.
He added that Saudi authorities were taking the necessary measures that will help limit the spread of the virus.
Spokesman for the interior ministry Talal al-Shalhoub announced that the recently declared curfew would take effect at 7 pm on Monday night and end on 6 am on Tuesday. The curfew would last for 21 days.
Violators will be fined 10,000 riyals and it will be doubled for repeat offenders. A third offense will land the violator in jail for no more than 21 days.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz had also ordered the curfew through a Royal Decree.
Health sector employees and security and military officials will be exempt from the curfew restrictions, according to the royal order.
So far, the Gulf region detected more than 1,300 coronavirus infections. Most cases initially identified among travelers returning from Iran — one of the world's worst affected countries.
