Six sports centres and 22 businesses fined in Dubai for flouting Covid-19 safety rules

Authorities have asked gyms and sports academies to update the records of their members as such information may be vital if contact tracing becomes necessary

Commuters wait for their bus outside the airconditioned bus stop along al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon All photos by. All photos by Victor Besa /The National

Mustaffa, eleven, waits for his bread to be baked with his uncle Abdul Qader outside the Naser Bader Bakery.

Abdul Rahman has been working at Naser Bader Bakery along Al Falah Street, Abu Dhabi for almost five years now.

The new air-conditioned bus stops around Abu Dhabi with Covid-19 restrictions.

Pedestrians cross the street at central Abu Dhabi on Friday afternoon.

Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

E-scooter riders along Al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

Six sports centres were fined in Dubai at the weekend for flouting Covid-19 safety rules.

The establishments were penalised for not following the guidelines on wearing face masks and practising social distancing.

Ten other places were issued with warnings and asked to stick to the guidelines.

Inspectors from Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Economy carried out the checks of several sports centres.

The authorities did not name the facilities that were fined but urged all sports clubs, academies and training centres in the emirate to follow the safety measures.

They said inspection visits by DSC and Dubai Economy teams will be intensified in the coming days to ensure full compliance with Covid-19 protocols.

All sports establishments were given a list of guidelines to follow when they reopened on May 28.

This is for the safety of staff and visitors, DSC said.

The centres are expected to maintain high levels of hygiene and disinfect equipment and premises regularly.

They should also ensure that a safe distance of two metres is kept between gym users and personal trainers.

Staff have also been instructed to wear masks, check the temperature of each visitor, provide sanitiser and display clear signage about the rules.

They must also update the records of their members, including their names, telephone numbers and visit dates, for use if contact tracing becomes necessary.

Authorities fined 22 other businesses on Saturday for breaching Covid-19 guidelines.

In its latest round of inspections, the Department of Economic Development warned two other entities to take the precautionary measures seriously, while 649 businesses were found to be complying with them.

Efforts are being stepped up across the country to clamp down on those who ignore the rules.

People take part in a Metcon class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, on July 1. Equipment has been spaced out to keep visitors safe. Victor Besa / The National

People take part in a CrossFit class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Safety measures on display at The Room Fitness and Lifestyle Clubs at Zayed Sports City, which reopened to the public after months of closure due to the coronavirus. Victor Besa / The National

Metcon instructor, Lauren Stallwood, leads a socially distanced fitness class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina. Victor Besa / The National

People take part in a CrossFit class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina. Everyone must maintain a distance of 2 metres while exercising. Victor Besa / The National

Sanitation workers clean the floor and equipment at Haddins Fitness, Zayed Sports City. Victor Besa / The National

Sanitation workers clean the floor and equipment at Haddins Fitness, Zayed Sports City. Victor Besa / The National

A cleaner sanitises a fitness area after a class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina. Victor Besa / The National

People take part in a Metcon class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday. Equipment is frequently sanitised to keep visitors safe. Victor Besa / The National

A gym-goer puts on gloves before a CrossFit class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina. Victor Besa / The National

A gym member gets his temperature checked before entering Vogue Fitness Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Equipment is spaced out at Vogue Fitness in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National

People take part in a Metcon class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina. Victor Besa / The National

People take part in a Metcon class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday. Equipment has been spaced out to keep visitors safe. Victor Besa / The National

People take part in a Metcon class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina. Victor Besa / The National

People take part in a CrossFit class at Vogue Fitness in Yas Marina. Gyms have reopened after about three months of closure to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

A woman takes part in an exercise class at Vogue Fitness in Abu Dhabi on the first day gyms were allowed to reopen. Victor Besa / The National

A cleaner sanitises a fitness area after a class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

2x2-metre squares are marked out at Cobra Fitness Abu Dhabi in Al Bandar to keep people apart while they exercise. Victor Besa / The National

Fitness buff, Natalie Navikova in action at Cobra Fitness Abu Dhabi at Al Bandar. Victor Besa / The National

Matt Dryden, owner of Cobra Fitness Abu Dhabi in Al Bandar. Victor Besa / The National

'Keep Safe Distance' sign at Cobra Fitness in Al Bandar. Victor Besa / The National

The department has called on the public “to co-operate and contribute to keeping the emirate’s economy moving forward in spite of the pandemic threat”.

“Stern action will be taken against any non-compliance found during the inspections or that may be reported by consumers and the public,” it said.

The public can report breaches of Covid-19 regulations by uploading a photograph of the premises using the Dubai Consumer app, by calling 600 545 555 or by visiting consumerrights.ae.