RIYADH – The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has directed temporary closure of all fun cities and other places designated for games and recreational activities within and outside shopping malls across the Kingdom. The ministry also issued directives to all mayoralties and municipalities in various regions and governorates to temporarily stop all public social events, including receiving condolences, holding wedding parties and similar events in all wedding halls and rest houses. Owners of these facilities have been directed to adhere to these directives effective from Sunday, March 15, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. The Ministry of Interior on Friday ordered suspension of events in wedding halls, rest houses, event venues and in hotels as part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Kingdom. The Ministry of Health also advised the public to avoid holding official or social parties and events with more than 50 attendees. It also underlined the need to avoid handshakes, as it could be one of the most common causes of transmission of the disease. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs underlined the need for intensifying city cleaning works by quick disposal of waste containers and sterilizing them, and that workers should adhere to wearing uniforms and maintaining personal hygiene, with wearing gloves and special masks. It also stressed the importance of intensifying environmental sanitation work, through daily cleansing and sterilization of gardens, parks, markets, toilets and all public places. As part of ensuring food safety and hygiene so as to maintain public health, the ministry directed all mayoralties and municipalities to strengthen supervision of food outlets and public health stores to ascertain whether the workers abide by the instructions, conditions and regulations issued in addition to following healthy food practices. The ministry has also launched a campaign to educate municipal employees about coronavirus, ways of transmission, prevention and limiting its spread. All these are within the preventive and precautionary measures taken by the government to contain the virus, reduce the risks of its spread, and ensure protection and safety of all segments of society.