UAE clamps down on COVID-19 protocol offenders

Our Correspondent

Authorities have clamped down on establishments and individuals flouting measures taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the various emirates in the UAE. Private and public gatherings are currently banned across the country.

In Abu Dhabi, Police busted a wedding party held at a home. While the bridegroom, his father and the father of the bride would face legal action and fines of up to Dh10,000 each for organising the reception, guests who attended the wedding reception will also face fines of Dh5,000 each. One dirham is approximately Rs.20.

UAE has introduced heavy fines for quarantine offences, including Dh3,000 for not wearing masks. Repeat offenders face a minimum Dh100,000 fine and maximum six-month prison sentence.

In Dubai, one cafe in Karama and a restaurant in Satwa were ordered closed by the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) Sector of Dubai Economy. The Satwa restaurant’s distribution of free meals had led to passers-by gathering in front of the store, disregarding physical distancing guidelines and causing congestion. Seven shops in different malls in the emirate were also fined.

Dubai Economy, in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, also imposed a fine on a fitness centre, where the employees did not adhere to physical distancing and masks.

The daily inspection visits by CCCP cover all areas in Dubai, including open markets and commercial centres.

In Fujairah, as many as 22 outlets have been issued warning letters by the Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality for not observing the precautionary measures. The civic body said the erring outlets were detected during 257 inspections and raids launched across the city in July and August.

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Department on September 11 closed a wedding hall and imposed a fine on it for not adhering to precautionary measures.

According to Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokesperson for the health sector in the UAE, the lack of commitment shown by some people to adhere to the safety guidelines and protocols was one of the main reasons for the rise in daily cases. On September 12, the country reported 1,007 new cases, one death and 521 recoveries.