COVID-19: Latest disinfection drive timings and fines in the UAE explained

All you need to know about changes in timings and which shops will stay open for 24 hours

Last updated: May 19, 2020 | 10:35

2 MIN READ

1/25

New announcements were made regarding the UAE's National Disinfection Drive on May 18, along with a list of fines and penalties against those found violating the regulations. Here is all you need to know.

2/25

From May 20, 2020, the timings for the National Disinfection Drive will be from 8pm to 6am each day, until further notice.

3/25

Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

4/25

The timings will also be implemented during the Eid break. Malls will be open from 9am to 7pm.

5/25

Malls will adhere to all the guidelines that were issued by authorities regarding the first phase of reopening. Read more about it here: https://gulfnews.com/1.1587633711493

6/25

New timings for malls and shopping centres will be announced after the Eid break.

7/25

Mosques and other places of worship will continue to remain closed. Eid prayers and all other prayers will be performed at home.

8/25

Some shops will continue to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

9/25

Food outlets, cooperatives, groceries, supermarkets and pharmacies are exempted from the disinfection drive restrictions.

10/25

Some retailers will be allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm.

11/25

These include butcheries, vegetable and fruit shops, slaughter houses, fish selling outlets, mills and confectionery shops.

12/25

These are the new announcements regarding fines for those who violate restrictions.

13/25

Fine for not abiding by restriction timings and closure announcements: Dh50,000.

14/25

Fine for COVID-19 positive individuals not downloading the national tracing app - Al Hosn UAE - Dh10,000.

15/25

Fine for tampering with tracking device or app: Dh20,000. Similar fine for not placing thermal cameras where required.

16/25

Hosting a party or gathering can also lead to a Dh10,000 fine for the host and Dh5,000 fine for attendees. If more than three people are found travelling in a car, or not wearing face masks, they will be fined Dh3,000.

17/25

Not wearing a mask in the office can lead to a Dh500 fine for the employee and Dh5,000 fine for the company.

18/25

If more than 30 per cent of the staff in a company is found working from the office, the company will be fined Dh3,000.

19/25

Not maintaining social distance can lead to a fine of Dh3,000 against individuals and Dh5,000 against establishments.

20/25

You can also not refuse to take a COVID-19 test - if you refuse to take the initial test, you will be fined Dh5,00 and refusal to take the second test after two weeks of the first test can lead to a fine of Dh1,000.

21/25

Any violations of restrictions will get you fined for Dh3,000. Private tutoring has also been disallowed, with fines against the tutor and the host.

22/25

Moving workers between emirates can lead to a fine of Dh10,000 for the organisation and the confiscation of the vehicle.

23/25

Repeat offenders will be dealt with strictly, with criminal proceedings being initiated.

24/25

25/25

More updates and announcements to follow.

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox