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

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.

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

Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

More updates and announcements to follow.