The spread of virus is vastly increasing and given the number current situation, it is important more than ever to be cautious and avoid going out as precautionary measures. The UAE government is also imposing strict measures for citizens and residents to follow.
As part of the movement of the government to contain the spread of the virus, the government has implemented a new regulation attached to the Communicable Diseases Law.
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If the authorities see anyone violating the law, the fine could be up to AED 100,000 and 5 years of jail. This applies to expats and locals who will try to violate the 14-day quarantine and those who will get in contact with other people, which will put someone’s life at risk. Here are the complete details of the news by WAM.
UAE Communicable Diseases Law Now Applicable to COVID-19
The latest news about the 14-day quarantine in the UAE includes the application of Federal Law No. 14 of 2014 or the Communicable Diseases Law to COVID-19 following the inclusion of coronavirus as a communicable disease by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
What does this imply for COVID-19 violators?
So in case you are wondering how it affects UAE residents and violators, The Ministry told the public that there would be three takes in the implementation of this law.
- First, imprisonment or a fine of up to AED 10,000 or both will be given to doctors, medical professionals, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians who will fail to inform health authorities of a person who was suffering or died from the communicable disease within 24 hours. These medical professionals should be able to comply with the rule if they don’t want to receive the punishments. This is also applicable to anyone who contacted with an infected person but failed to inform the health authorities. Even if you are a professional superior, an educational supervisor, a captain of a ship or airplane, or a driver of a public transportation vehicle, there is no exception. You will be accountable for not telling the authorities.
- Next, a fine of AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 will be imposed on anyone who knows that he has the disease or suspects of carrying the virus but failed to inform the health officials while going out to places other than hospitals and medical facilities. You will need the approval of the Ministry of Health and Prevention before you go to a place other than medical facilities. This is also applicable to someone who will not show up for testing and treatment despite knowing the possibility of carrying the virus. If you will not comply with the preventive measures advised to you, you will also face the charges.
- Third, a fine of AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 and/or up to 5 years in prison will be given to someone who knows that he is infected with the virus but still mingle with people intentionally to create a transmission. If you will be caught doing this twice or repeatedly, your charges will be doubled according to your behavior.
According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, this is a preventive measure that will urge the public to promote public wellness and assist the country in the performance of its strategies to fight against communicable diseases including this new COVID-19.
Below is a post from the Dubai Police:
Penalties stipulated in Federal Law No. 14 of 2014 on Combating Communicable Diseases will now apply to the coronavirus, COVID-19, after it was formally included by the Ministry of Health and Prevention on the list of communicable diseases. pic.twitter.com/QujrIWdTmQ
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 25, 2020
