MANAMA — A court in Bahrain ruled against seven defendants and two restaurants, imposing fines between 1,000 Bahraini dinars (SR10,000 approximately) to 2,000 Bahraini dinars for flouting precautionary measures to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Bahrain News Agency reported. The country’s Public Health Directorate reported on Tuesday that two restaurants did not commit to the preventative measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including leaving a distance between tables, not surpassing 50 percent of the table’s capacity, and wearing face masks. The two restaurants were shut down administratively and legal procedures are being taken. The Public Prosecution launched an investigation immediately after receiving a notification today and ordered the defendants be referred to the specialized criminal court which issued its afore-mentioned verdict. — SG