Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, May 19: Fines for those who violate coronavirus (COVID-19) rules and restrictions in the UAE have been revised. Authorities in the UAE also announced that from Ramadan 27, sterilisation would start at 8 pm, ending at 6 am. This would effect changes in mall and shop timings.

According to Gulf News, those who fail to comply with home and health quarantine will be fined Dh50,000. Second time offenders are punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 6 months, and a fine of not less than Dh100,000, or one of these two penalties.

Further, during Eid holidays, malls and shopping centres would be open from 9 am to 7 pm as part of the changes, with the application of all procedures and precautionary measures. Eid is set to start on either May 23 or 24, based on moon-sighting. After Eid, new timings of malls and shopping centres will be announced. Sterilisation measures will be done from 8pm to 6 am starting from Ramadan 27, as per the Islamic calendar. This falls on May 20 till further notice.

Mosques and places of worship will continue to remain closed until further notice, and hence Eid prayers and all prayers will be performed at home. Food outlets, cooperatives, groceries, supermarkets and pharmacies can continue to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the sterilisation programme, and these businesses are excluded from the restrictions during sterilisation. Butchers, vegetable and fruit shops, slaughter houses, fish selling outlets, mills, confectionary shops, will be operating from 6am to 8pm, according to Gulf News.

Revised fines

Dh50,000: Fines for those who do not abide by closure of schools, gyms, cinema, parks, cafes, restaurants, pools. Dh50,000 fine also applies to those not abiding by opening and closing times of restaurants, parks, malls etc
Dh10,000: Fines for individuals who have or had COVID-19 and refuse to download app used for COVID-19 tracing
Dh20,000: Fines for individuals who have or had COVID-19 and try to tamper with tracking device or app installed by authorities
Dh20,000: Not placing thermal cameras where required
Having a party or gathering: Dh10,000 for host, Dh5,000 for each attendee
In cars, more than three people travelling, no masks: Dh3,000
Not wearing masks at work, offices: Dh5,000 for company, Dh500 for employee
Dh3,000: Company failing to maintain 30 per cent limit on workforce at office
Not maintaining social distancing at work or other places such as shops or restaurants: Dh3,000 per person involved and Dh5,000 for institutions
Dh5,000: Shops that operate beyond permitted times
Dh5,000: Refusing to do a COVID-19 test
Dh1,000: Refusing to redo a COVID-19 test after two weeks
Dh3,000: Violating restrictions during sterilisation period
Private tutors violating current rules: Dh30,000 and Dh20,000 for whoever hosts the tutor
Moving workers between emirates: Dh10,000 fines for company and the vehicle will be confiscated