On 18 May 2020, the UAE government announced changed timings for the National Sterilisation Programme. Starting 20 May 2020, sterilization will happen from 8pm each night to 6am the following morning, until further notice.
This also means that residents can leave their home only between 6 am and 8 pm to fetch essentials. In line with the new timings, the government also announced a new set of fines for those who violate Covid-19 rules and restrictions.
The announcement was made in an exclusive press conference, on Monday, May 18. The decision came after government noticed reckless behaviour from certain individuals, violating instructions.
Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, the official spokesman for the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management urged those celebrating Eid to not host gatherings and connect with family and friends virtually.
Further, pharmacies and supermarkets will remain open for 24 hours. However, shops selling tea, coffee, chocolate and other artisan goods will be open from 6am to 8pm only.
Here’s the list of new fines:
- Violating home quarantine rules or the quarantine restrictions- AED 50,000
- Anyone, who does not install or register in the Ccovid-19 tracing app on purpose and anyone who causes damage to the electronic bracelet or causes its malfunction- AED 10,000
- Anyone who publishes or discloses information related to Covid-19 patients- AED 20,000
- Failing to install thermal cameras at various centres or facilities- AED 20,000
- Organising private lessons, even if for free- AED 30,000 and AED 20,000 for the person who gives his place for such lessons.
- Anyone who organise a gathering- AED 10,000
- Anyone who participates in social gathering- AED 5000
- Refusing to do the Covid-19 test- AED 5000
- Breaking movement restrictions during the national disinfection campaign from from 8pm to 6am for non-urgent reasons like buying necessities, including food and medicines or for medical emergencies- AED 3000
- Not wearing masks at work, offices: AED 5,000 for the company, AED 500 for the employee
- Exceeding the 30 per cent limit on work force in the office: AED 3,000
- Opening educational facilities, clubs, gyms, cinemas, parks, pools, etc, or receiving guests: AED 50,000
- Entities operating without a thermal camera and non-compliance with measures stipulated by the government: AED 20,000
- Shops that operate beyond permitted times: AED 5,000