COVID-19 CASES AND DEATHS MOUNT ACROSS MIDDLE EAST AS UAE DOUBLE THE FINES FOR REPEAT VIOLATORS

Sun 28 June 2020:

 Iraq, Saudi Arabia report additional infections, fatalities

ISTANBUL/BAGHDAD (AA) – Coronavirus cases and fatalities continued to rise in Middle East countries Saturday.

Iraq reported 2,069 more COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, raising its overall count to 43,262.

The death toll rose to 1,660 with 101 additional deaths while recoveries reached 19,938.

The death toll in Saudi Arabia, increased to 1,511 with 17 more fatalities. A total of 3,9274 more infections pushed that figure to 178,504.

The number of recoveries stand at 122,128.

UAE repeat violators of COVID-19 precautions face double fines

Fines for violators of coronavirus precautionary measures in the UAE will be doubled if the offence is committed a second time and if repeated for a third time the individual will be referred to prosecution, Salem al-Zaabi, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution, said on Saturday.

Al-Zaabi added that since the UAE announced on Wednesday, lifting curfew and the completion of the national disinfection program, “the relevant authorities have observed a significant increase in the number violations of the preventative measures,” state news agency WAM reported.

Al Zaabi: We urge the public to comply with the instructions issued by #UAE health and security authorities and to follow social distancing guidelines. Violators will be subject to legal action as per UAE Law. #UAEGov

— UAEGov (@uaegov) June 27, 2020

 

The violations included failing to practice social distancing, not wearing masks or face coverings and organizing gatherings in public and private places.

“Such reckless behavior will work against the preventative measures, which have been so important in helping to control the spread of the virus,” he added, warning that violators will be subject to legal action and will be fined as per the law.

“Gatherings in public and in private places as well as in houses, farms and estates are prohibited,” he said.

He also highlighted that family visits should be limited to first degree relatives and social distancing should be maintained at all times, especially when around elderly people and those suffering from chronic diseases.

As for the fines, al-Zaabi said: “As per the Attorney General’s decision, the fine will be doubled for those found to be repeating the violation. Third time offenders will be subject to legal action and could face imprisonment for a period of up to six months and an increased fine of 100,000 dirhams ($27,224).”

The UAE’s tally now stands at 47,360 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 35,834 recovered patients and the death toll stands at 311 fatalities.

More than 497,400 people have died in at least 188 countries and regions since the virus emerged in China last December.

More than 9.9 million cases have been reported worldwide, with recoveries exceeding 5 million, according to figures compiled by US-based Johns Hopkins University.

The US, Brazil, Russia, and India are currently the worst-hit countries in the world.  

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