More than 5,000 residents of Dubai’s Al Muraqqabat area were fined for flouting Covid-19 safety measures during the national sterilisation programme, police said.
These fines were issued between March and May when residents in the emirate were asked to stay home to contain the spread of the virus.
Besides the 5,697 fines, the police also warned 27,928 people during the same period.
The fines and warnings were given to people who left their homes for non-essential work, did not wear a face mask and failed to maintain social distancing.
Those carrying more than three passengers in a vehicle were also penalised.
“From the total number, there were 27,928 warnings issued against people caught breaching Covid-19 safety rules,” said Brig Ali Ghanem, director of Al Muraqqabat Police Station on Thursday.
“We have formed teams to implement the decisions of the Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai regarding the precautionary measures against the spread of the virus.”
The station’s officers have been working to raise awareness and educate the public about how the virus transmits, said Brig Ghanem.
“In addition to that, we have also distributed health packs including face masks, gloves, and hand sanitisers to members of the public,” he said.
Nightly restrictions in Dubai stay in place from 11pm to 6am. Residents need permits to leave their homes during these hours.
An application must be filled out at https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/home before every journey during the restricted hours.
