Coronavirus: Authorities shut down factories making fake medical masks

Several non-compliant businesses were caught in an inspection, including some who raised vegetable prices for illicit profit

A woman walks by a closed shop in Dubai amid measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. AFP

Closed shops at the Utensil Souq in Deira, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Clear skies and light traffic are seen in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A man wearing a face mask walks past a closed restaurant in Ajman. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Men wear a face masks on the beach front in Ajman. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The China Court section of Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai stands almost empty. Pawan Singh / The National

Authorities in Ajman shut down two unlicensed factories and shops on Sunday for making and selling medical face masks that do not meet local health and safety standards.

The businesses were discovered during random inspections by the emirate's Department of Economic Development. Inspectors found that the businesses were exploiting the high demand for masks, caused by the coronavirus outbreak, to gain illicit profit.

The facilities were closed and the masks were seized by the department of control and consumer protection.

Two factories and shops in Ajman were shut down for selling fake medical masks. Courtesy: Ajman Department of Economic Development

“The DED will take whatever measures necessary to combat the use of the current situation by some people. Inspection teams are ready to arrest offenders and work round the clock,” said Ahmed Al Blooshi, director of the department.

The masks produced by the unlicensed factory did not meet UAE-approved specifications and standards.

The department said people should only buy masks from pharmacies to ensure they meet the authority’s standards. People are urged not to buy masks that do not include manufacturing details on the label, to protect themselves from commercial fraud.

The department carried out 1,890 inspections across the emirate over the past 10 days searching for any breaches related to the coronavirus outbreak.

Inspectors found infractions against 90 establishment including illegally increasing the price of vegetables, offering delivery services without permits and failure to observe gatherings of support staff in offices.

“Inspection campaigns also included the closure of 36 non-compliant establishments, including hypermarkets, pharmacies, cafes, hair salons, gyms, billiard clubs, foodstuff shops, fruit and vegetable trading stores and others,” said Mr Al Blooshi.

Consumers can file complaints on the direct line of Ajman Government Contact Centre, on 80070.