The Emergency and Crisis Prosecution Office (ECPO) at the Federal Public Prosecution has issued detention orders for eight persons who hosted wedding parties in separate places in the UAE, and which were attended by large numbers of guests in violation of the COVID-19 precautionary measures.

The Abu Dhabi Police GHQ and the Ras Al Khaimah Police GHQ referred eight persons for legal action.

Under the federal decree, Law No. 2 of 2011 in respect of the establishment of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and its amendments, failing to adhere to precautionary measures is punishable by imprisonment of not more than six months and a fine of not less than AED 100,000 or any one of them.

On September 18, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and NCEMA had announced that any family event in the UAE, including funeral processions, should not have more than 10 people in attendance. The rule is part of the new set of safety guidelines for organising social events in the country.

NCEMA also clarified in its tweets that a family event should have only first-degree relatives. All attendees should ideally be tested at least 24 hours before the event. Buffets are strictly prohibited; disposable plates and cups should be used while handling surfaces at the venue should be disinfected periodically, and hand sanitisers should be widely made available. Social events will be closely monitored, and action will be taken against violators.

Social distancing and etiquette for coughing and sneezing should be observed; a gap of at least two metres must be observed between people; anyone with COVID symptoms should desist from attending social events. People with chronic diseases and the elderly should avoid gatherings, NCEMA urged.

According to the new protocol, only 10 persons can attend a funeral service, only two can be hired for digging graves, while pallbearers should be limited between 4 and 8.

The post Social gatherings come under the scanner appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

According to Kumar, only 5,000 and 2,500 visitors will be allowed in both the monuments respectively in a day.

As a precautionary measure, the ticket counters will not open and electronic tickets will be provided to the visitors.

“Taj Mahal and Agra Fort to be opened for visitors from September 21. 5,000 and 2500 visitors to be allowed in Taj Mahal and Agra Fort respectively, in a day. Electronic tickets will be provided as ticket counters will not open,” Basant Kumar .

The monuments have been closed to the public since a nationwide lockdown was imposed in March to combat the pandemic.

Here’s what you need to know if you plan to visit either of these places.

1. There will be a restricted number of visitors at the monuments

To prevent crowding and maintain social distancing, not more than 5,000 tourists will be allowed in a day at Taj Mahal. Tourists at Agra Fort will be restricted to 2,500 a day. Visitors at Taj Mahal in two slots- pre-lunch and post-lunch. In each of these slots there will be 2,500 visitors. All licensed commercial photographers permitted within Taj Mahal will not be allowed in at the same time.
For Agra Fort, it will 1300 visitors in the morning and 1200 in the afternoon.

2. Tickets will be sold online

Ticket sales will take place online. Tickets will first be sold for the first slot; once all 2,500 tickets are exhausted, then the 2,500 tickets for the second slot will be put on sale. Thus, in a day, a maximum of 5,000 visitors can visit Taj Mahal, Swarnkar said.
Tickets will be sold in a similar manner for Agra Fort.

3. The monuments will be closed to the public on certain days on the week
The Taj Mahal will remain closed on Friday (its usual weekly closure day), as well as Sunday—the weekly restriction day across the state, as imposed by the government.
Agra Fort, however, will be closed to the public only on Sunday.

4. There will be strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols

Safety protocols against the spread of COVID-19 will followed while allowing the tourists inside the monuments. The visitors will be thermally checked and will be asked to sanitise their hands and will be required to maintain physical distancing at all times while inside the monuments.
The monuments will be sanitised from time to time.

The post Taj Mahal and Agra Fort to reopen appeared first on The Gulf Indians.