Motorists caught throwing face masks and gloves out of their vehicle windows will be fined Dh1,000 and six traffic points will be registered against their driving licences, the police have warned.

The Abu Dhabi Police on Thursday said some people have been throwing used masks and gloves out of the car windows, violating traffic laws. "The masks and gloves pose a threat to public health and the environment. They may have been contaminated and may lead to the spread of diseases," the police said in a statement.

"People should avoid such bad behaviours in order to protect the environment and the civilisational appearance of cities."

The police also noted that adhering to precautionary measures that prevent the spread of communicable diseases is everyone's responsibility.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, on Wednesday, condemned reports of some residents littering masks and gloves. "Such behaviours of littering masks are bad and we condemn them. The masks can be contaminated which contributes to the spread of coronavirus," she said. "Masks should be disposed of properly in waste bins. There is a need to promote good behaviours among the community."

Last week, the UAE Government recommended everyone to wear face masks while going out in order to avoid contracting the coronavirus.

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