Colonel Hassan Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari, Director of Central Operations Department at the National Command Center at the Ministry of Interior, said that patrolling has begun after the announcement of the decision to prevent all kinds of gathering in order to save peoples’ lives.

He also said that gathering is banned at all areas and places, and there will be more focus on areas such as Corniche, public parks and beaches.

In a video, posted on Twitter, clarifying the security measures carried out by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), Al Kuwari pointed out that whoever violates these measures exposes himself to punishment.

“All kinds of the gathering are forbidden, whether they are social gatherings or others, they are prohibited during this period. I advise all brothers to cancel meetings in their homes “majlis” temporarily,” he said.

Following the decision to ban all gatherings by law in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), citizens and residents are advised to be responsible and abide by all preventive measures.

MoI said that “an inaccurate comment was mentioned in the press conference of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management on the prevention of riding more than one person in the same vehicle.

“The Ministry of the Interior affirms that the prohibition stipulated in the decision referred to the statement at the press conference, does not include transportation by cars, buses or trucks as long as it is for necessary purpose and therefore it must be noted,” said MoI.

Colonel Al Kuwari said that “Some people are totally committed and this is a good thing. We have seen some have cancelled condolences to avoid gathering, and this is a good thing and a great proof of their cooperation and understanding of what the state is doing.”

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior recently issued decision imposing precautionary measures to prevent all forms of gathering, by the power of law, including but not limited to Corniche, public parks and beaches; and social gatherings, as part of efforts to combat coronavirus.

Many people appreciated the committee’s procedures specially the one related to the ban on gathering saying since a long time they were waiting for such a decision because there are many people who don’t care about others’ lives.

“It is better to ban gathering at public places for 15 days than to empty houses after 15 days, because of the threat of coronavirus,” said a citizen.  Another one tweeted: “The government knows what is the best for the current situation and they are doing their level best, and they have wide knowledge than us.”

“Nice initiative, but there should be an exception for the construction staff to get to work,” tweeted M Rafay.