COVID-19: Government departments in Dubai intensify inspections as cases soar

To increase public safety, the Dubai Media Office on Thursday issued an advisory that reiterated precautionary measures for social gatherings and wedding receptions, clearly stating violators will be liable to a fine of Dh50,000 at least for hosting large gatherings at home. Each attendee will also be fined Dh15,000.

The advisory said the cooperation of families and individuals in complying with the preventive protocols is crucial to safeguarding the community from the pandemic.

It said that as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has emphasised, “Everyone is Responsible” in the war on Covid-19. The commitment of those attending social gatherings to preventive guidelines is critical in creating a safe environment.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) reported 3,382 cases of the coronavirus, along with 2,671 recoveries. A total of three deaths were reported as well.

As cases continue to rise, government departments in Dubai have moved to close down establishments violating safety protocols.

On Thursday, the Dubai Municipality announced it closed two shisha cafes in the emirate for not adhering to the precautionary measures. The authority monitors outlets for compliance with environmental and food health protocols. Following a string of inspections, it said: “A total of 37 establishments have been issued warnings. However, 2,240 outlets were found compliant.”

Similarly, a total of eight establishments were fined by Dubai Economy (DED) following field inspections. “A warning was issued to one department and 625 businesses are found compliant,” said DED. On Wednesday, a warning was issued to one commercial outlet and 599 were said to be compliant.

“Dubai Economy encourages everyone to report any commercial establishment not adhering to the Covid-19 precautionary measures through Dubai Consumers App.”

Dubai Tourism, on the other hand, said three venues were found to be non-compliant during its inspections and one venue had its permit suspended on Thursday. “One venue was closed down for violating regulations,” it stated.

Despite rising cases, the vaccination drive is in full swing in the UAE. The Health Ministry has now successfully vaccinated 133,253 residents against Covid-19 in the last 24 hours.

MoHAP said the total doses administered now stands at 1,527,833. This takes the rate of doses per 100 people to 15.45. The UAE’s vaccine administration rates are just second behind Israel globally and is in line with its plans to vaccinate more than 50 per cent of the country’s population.

Experts in the UAE have said the recent spike in Covid-19 cases in the UAE is a worrying trend, but the curve will flatten as vaccines start producing antibodies. This happens within 14 days after a person takes his/her second dose.