UAE residents unnecessarily leaving their homes during the day face a AED2,000 fine.

While those who go out during the national sterilisation programme, between 8pm and 6am, will be fined AED3,000.

Mohammad Al Redha, of Al Redha Advocates and Legal Consultants, told Gulf News that the fine will be issued if the person doesn't heed an initial warning given by officials.

“There is a great human angle in the new resolution by giving power to the law enforcement officer to issue a warning to the violator first before issuing a violation report if the violator didn’t respond to the warning,” Al Redha told the newspaper.

Containing Covid-19

The sanctions are part of a raft of penalties announced by the UAE Government in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus – there are currently 570 confirmed cases in the country and three reported deaths.

Only those performing vital jobs or buying “essential necessities” are allowed to be out.

The list of 15 violations and fines has been updated and clarified by the UAE Attorney General.

It includes a AED50,000 fine for people who refuse to receive or continue to take prescribed medication and the same amount imposed on anyone not adhering to self-quarantine instructions.

Owners of educational institutions, cinemas, gyms, sports clubs, malls, outdoor markets, parks, cafes, shopping centres and restaurants which ignore the current orders to close will be fined AED50,000 and there will be a AED500 for each customer.

Meanwhile individuals who suffer from chronic diseases and people showing cold or flu-like symptoms, who don’t wear a protective mask indoors, or fail to abide by social distancing laws, will be slapped with a AED1,000 fine.

According to the resolution, fines will be doubled for those found to be repeating the violation.

The sterilisation programme was launched on Thursday last week and has been extended through until April 5.

The website – move.gov.ae – allows people to request permission to go out during the sterilisation campaign.