The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has confirmed the incorrectness of what has been circulating on social media regarding overcrowding and lack of social distancing in front of money exchange houses.
The photographs purportedly showing overcrowding and lack of commitment to social distancing rules are old and have been circulated on social media following the decision to reopen exchange houses in the country, the ministry tweeted.
Based on a MoCI decision announced on Monday, exchange houses in the country were allowed reopen on Tuesday with the mandatory application of precautionary measures.
The procedures include requiring visitors to wear masks, following social distancing guidelines, measuring body temperature and allowing only a certain number of customers in at the same time, in addition to applying other preventive measures specified by the Ministry of Public Health.
Working hours are limited to six a day for employees at money exchanges with a provision for paid overtime of two hours. The total working hours should not exceed eight hours.
Money exchange service offices are required to take the necessary measures to prevent crowding, including providing instructions, guidelines and security personnel to assist customers and make sure social distancing guidelines are followed.
While issuing the clarification on Wednesday, the MoCI stressed its keenness to follow up the matter with exchange houses and ensure that they are strictly following the instructions given to them and the preventive measures put in place. Violators will be dealt with accordingly, it noted.
Further, the ministry advised that people should obtain information from official sources only and must not heed or spread rumours.
