A department store in Dubai has just been ordered to shut down after it was found to be violating the state-mandated social distancing guidelines, the Dubai Economy reported on Sunday.

At least two fitness gyms also received a closure order, while fines were slapped on 28 other violators of face mask and physical distancing rules in various shopping malls, as well as in Burj Khalifa area, Barsha, Al Nahda,  Oud Metha, Al Quoz, Al Badaa, Souq Al Kabeer, Al Murar and Al Baraha.

The other violating establishments include those dealing in general trading, mobile phones and accessories, document processing, textiles, travel, inbound tours, money exchange, photo studio, therapeutic massage, print and copy services and physiotherapy.

Authorities have been beefing up inspections across the emirate to ensure commercial establishments adhere to safety precautionary measures that are aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus infections.

Monitoring has been tight following a surge in new cases over the last several days. Last Saturday, new cases hit a new record high of 3,566, bringing the total number of infected individuals to 274,376.

In a statement, the Dubai Economy directed traders to “strictly adhere” to the precautionary measures and called on the public to report any violation or harmful practices.

It said it will continue its inspections along with various partners, reiterating that “any violation or malpractice that may be found by inspectors or reported by the public will not be tolerated”.

The recent inspections found that the majority of the establishments, or 480 of them, have fully complied with the guidelines.

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)

Cleofe.maceda@refinitiv.com

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