Increase in people fined for flouting COVID-19 safety rules

More people have been found breaking safety rules issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

It comes as more fines were issued after the conclusion of the National Disinfection Programme.

Speaking at a national press briefing Salem Al Zaabi, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution said Criminal prosecutions have been announced for violators including a six-month prison sentence and/or minimum fine of AED 100,000 for repeat violators.

Salem Al Zaabi, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution: Criminal prosecutions have been announced for violators including a six-month incarceration and/or minimum fine of AED 100,000 for repeat violators.

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 27, 2020

The main offences have been failure to observe social distancing, not wearing masks and holding gatherings in public and private dwellings. 

Al Zaabi said accordingly, additional fines and penalties have been announced for repeat violators.

In a series of tweets the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said there were concerns that the violations from reckless and irresponsible individuals will undo all the success which has been achieved in the last few months in the battle against COVID-19.

There is serious concern that the violations from reckless and irresponsible individuals will undo all the success which has been achieved in the last few months in the battle against #Covid19.

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 27, 2020

NCEMA are reminding people about the need to follow safety guidelines, including wearing masks in public places, in the workplace and in shared labour accommodation.

They have also reminded residents that social distancing must be maintained in public places such as shopping centers, restaurants, swimming pools and beaches.

Family visits are limited to visiting first-degree relatives only, taking into account physical distancing, especially with the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases.

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 27, 2020

Gatherings in public and private places, in homes, farms, and apartments are prohibited, and not following these guidelines will see violators fined.

Family visits are limited to visiting first-degree relatives only, taking into account physical distancing, especially with the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases.

Individuals should comply with compulsory hospitalisation decisions for the injured, the procedures and instructions of quarantine; whether at home or in private facilities and re-examination instructions issued by the health authorities.