The UAE's Ministry of Health has reported 370 new coronavirus cases, after conducting more than 49,000 tests as part of its plan to expand the scope of tests, and announces the recovery of 150 cases on Friday.

The ministry also announced the death of two coronavirus cases due to complications, bringing the total number of death cases to 16.

Meanwhile, the UAE authorities have referred 129 people to the Attorney-General for failing to abide by the quarantine and isolation measures implemented by various bodies to curb the spread of COVID-19 and ensure public safety by prohibiting any behaviour that may endanger others.

The chief of the Emergency and Crisis Prosecution mentioned that first-time offenders will only be fined 50,000 UAE dirhams ($13,615 ) once a report is filed and the offender is informed of his or her violation. The fine shall be doubled to 100,000 UAE dirhams for second-time offenders.

If the violation is committed for the third time, the violator will be referred to the Emergency and Crisis Prosecution at the Federal Public Prosecution, tried and jailed for a minimum of three years or fined a minimum of 100,000 UAE dirhams as per the law, according to a tweet by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.

(Writing by Mily Chakrabarty)

mily.chakrabarty@refinitiv.com

© ZAWYA 2020