UAE lays down list of fines for violators of coronavirus rules

Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, issued the updated Resolution No. 38 of 2020 on enforcement of penalties for violations following the Cabinet Resolution No. 17 of 2020 to contain the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19.

READ MORE

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed visits COVID-19 Centre, undergoes a test

Big Heart pledges Dhs300,000 to support distance learning

Sharjah extends suspension of all activities until end of April to stem coronavirus outbreak

UAE launches remote work system from Sunday

The resolution stipulates 15 fines starting from Dhs1,000 for failing to wear medical masks indoors by only those individuals suffering from chronic diseases, and those showing cold and flu symptoms or failing to maintain social distancing.

The list of violations and fines runs as follows:

• Dhs50,000 fine for violating mandatory hospitalisation by patients who directly refuse to receive or continue prescribed medicines despite being instructed. Concerned entities or specialists may contact relevant authorities to enforce the decision.

This photo shows a general view of empty streets in Dubai, UAE. Reuters

• Dhs50,000 fine for non-compliance with home quarantine instructions as per the home quarantine manuals, and quarantine at private facilities determined by competent authorities and refusing to take the test again as per health protocols or implementing these measures.

• Dhs5,000 fine for the executive in charge of managing a company or a facility that violates the sterilisation measures of public or private means of transportation.

• Dhs3,000 fine for individuals violating the curfew set out during the National Disinfection Programme by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Interior. The fine excludes individuals who sought to obtain essential supplies, such as food and medicines, and individuals working within previously designated vital sectors.

Members of a medical team wearing protective suit clean entry machines in Dubai, UAE. AFP

• Dhs1,000 fine for unnecessarily visiting health facilities.

• Dhs5,000 fine for refusing to subject to a medical test upon request.

• Dhs2,000 fine for any person leaving their home for unnecessary reasons except for performing vital jobs or buying essential necessities.

• Dhs50,000 fine and administrative closure for failing to temporarily suspend an establishment. Dhs500 fine will be issued for a customer.

• Dhs50,000 fine and administrative closure for violating the closure instructions of educational institutions, cinemas, gyms, sports clubs, malls, outdoor markets, parks, cafés, shopping centres and restaurants and others or for receiving customers. A visitor to such establishments will be slapped with fine of Dhs500.

•Dhs10,000 fine for whoever invites or organises gatherings, meetings, private and public celebrations or being present in groups at public places or private farms. Participants will also be slapped with a fine of Dhs5,000.

• Dhs2,000 fine for violating precautionary measures issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention by passengers coming to the UAE from countries infected by a communicable disease.

• Dhs3,000 fine for failing to take proper health measures regarding regulation of markets, roads, and other public places exempted from temporally closure.

Municipal workers disinfect the streets of the Palm Island in Dubai on Saturday. AFP

• Dhs3,000 fine for refusing an order to dispose of any stuff, clothes, luggage or others proved to be contaminated or might be contaminated by any pathogen if they can’t be disinfected by established procedures.

• Dhs10,000 fine for failing to take precautionary measures for the crew of shelter ships.

• Dhs3,000 fine for violating the executive regulations of the Law on Communicable Diseases when burying or transporting a dead body infected with a communicable disease.

• Dhs1,000 fine for a motorist who exceeds the number of passengers in their car (more than three persons per car).

• Dhs1,000 for not wearing medical masks indoors by individuals suffering from chronic diseases, and those showing cold and flu symptoms or failing to maintain social distancing.

According to the resolution, the fines will be doubled for those found to be repeating the violation. Offenders will thereafter be referred to the Emergency and Crisis Prosecution at the Federal Public Prosecution if the violation is committed for the third time. Offenders will also bear the costs/expenses of the damage caused by him.

The Resolution mandates the Attorney General and members of the Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution to enforce administrative penalties on the violations listed in Article 1 of this decision once referred to them. They may also look into the grievances involving the administrative penalties included in article 5 of this cabinet decision.

As per the Attorney General’s resolution, violation reports will be issued if violators refuse to respond to warnings and directives issued by the Ministry of Interior, general headquarters of police, or law enforcement officers of the competent federal and local bodies.

The Ministry of Interior and police departments will be in charge of collecting fines from violators and may coordinate with relevant government authorities in the matter.

The resolution shall take effect from March 26th and all the enforcement entities will be notified.

WAM