Social distancing rules tightened in UAE

Web Desk

The UAE government announced on June 27 that more than 52,527 additional COVID-19 tests were conducted among UAE citizens and residents. With the detection of 378 new cases, the total number of infections in the country stands at 47,360.
Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, official spokesperson of the UAE government, and Salem Al Zaabi, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution, updated the media on COVID -19 developments and measures.
While 365 individuals fully recovered from COVID -19, bringing the total recoveries to over 35,834, as many as 11,215 are still being treated, pointed out Al Shamsi. One new death has taken fatalities in the country to 311.
Al Zaabi said that the public should abide by all precautionary measures. “Since completion of the National Disinfection Programme, the relevant authorities have observed a significant increase in violations of the preventive measures,” he said.
The violations, he added, include failing to ensure safety distance norms; failing to wear masks; and organising gatherings in public and private places. He warned that violators will be subject to legal accountability and will be fined as per the law.
“Gatherings in public and in private places as well as in houses, farms and estates is prohibited,” he said. Family visits should be confined to first-degree relatives and physical distancing norms should be maintained at all times, especially when elderly people and those suffering chronic diseases are around, he said.
Medical or cotton masks should be worn in all closed places, public transport, commercial centres and while walking in densely populated open areas, and private transport, Al Zaabi said. He also emphasised the need to wear masks at workplaces and when moving from one place to another inside labour camps. Adequate distance should be maintained in public places, restaurants, swimming pools and beaches.
He stressed that COVID-19 patients should remain within their homes or quarantine facility, repeat tests as per instructions of health authorities, and also download the TraceCovid app. “Failing to abide by these rules will result in legal action and fines,” he said.
“As per the Attorney General’s decision, the fine will be doubled for those found to be repeating the violation. Third-time offenders will be subject to legal action and could face imprisonment for a period of up to six months and a fine of AED100,000.”