Mohammad Ayman Awsata, member of the executive office in charge of the tourism sector in the Latakia Governorate, confirmed to Al-Watan that a decision was taken to ban Valentine’s Day events in the governorate, as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Awsata said that the decision was made based on the outcomes of the meeting of the executive office. A circular was issued to ban events as well as any promotional or marketing material and was shared with the Department of Tourism, the Artists Syndicate, the Arab Advertising Organization, and all administrative units from cities, towns, and municipalities, with instructions to strictly and completely enforce the decision.
He said that whoever violates the decision will face a 15-day closure penalty [of their venue], according to the circular.
Awsata pointed out that the decision aims to prevent Valentine’s Day events from being held on February 14, in order to safeguard the health of citizens and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Awsata said that there are no new developments regarding restrictions on wedding parties, which remain in accordance with previous circulars, according to which the occupancy rate is 40 percent. Attendees must adhere to social distancing measures and health and safety conditions pursuant to the instructions of the government team concerned with dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
