Abu Dhabi Police have issued instructions against the movement of trucks, heavy vehicles and buses during foggy conditions owing to reduced visibility on roads.

In a tweet on September 26, it warned truck drivers not to drive during heavy fog in order to prevent accidents and boost traffic safety. Until the foggy weather clears, heavy vehicles will not be allowed on internal and external roads.

Driving during fog is a traffic violation according to ministerial decision No. 178 of 2017 on rules and procedures for controlling Traffic according to Article 104 “Traffic in times of mist in violation of the instructions of the concerned entity”.

Drivers who do not follow the traffic rule will be fined Dh500 and will get four traffic points, police stated in a post of Facebook. ADP has advised motorists to abide by speed limits.

The National Centre of Meteorology had on September 25 urged motorists to take all precautions and follow the traffic regulations due to the chance of fog formation and deteriorating horizontal visibility in the mornings for a week. NCM said visibility will be lacking at times over some internal and coastal areas especially westward.

Three people died and two were injured – all Asians – in a traffic accident involving two buses on the Al Faya-Saih Shuaib truck road in Abu Dhabi on September 22 morning. Another accident was reported on the truck road in Nahil involving a bus that hit several camels due to fog, but there were no injuries.

In Dubai, 29 traffic accidents were reported from September 20-22 due to the heavy fog that blanketed several areas of the emirate.

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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.

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