New Year celebrations: UAE urges people to adhere to protocols, warns of fines for violators

The UAE has urged people in the country to adhere to all the precautionary measures during New Year celerbations.

In a special message broadcast on Thursday, Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesperson for the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), stressed that all guidelines must be followed at public and private gatherings.

“During the last few days, we have noticed an increase in the number of Covid-19 infections in the UAE. Hence we call on all people to adhere to the precautionary measures put in place since the outbreak began during the holidays and celebrations,” he said, adding: “In particular, the wearing of face masks and exercising physical distancing.

“The UAE has organised several celebrations, so celebrate with your families safely and remain fully committed in implementing all precautionary measures,” Al Dhaheri added.

Numerous firework shows and other events have been organised in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to ring in 2021.

Authorities have also outlined strict guidelines for all attendees.

The Dubai Municipality announced that it will be intensifying its inspections on various establishments across the emirate during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The inspections will cover 23 locations, including areas where the fireworks and laser shows will be taking place as well as shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, cafes, parks, salons, beaches and jogging tracks.

Read: Dubai reveals guidelines for social gatherings on New Year’s Eve with stiff fines for violators

“We affirm that fines and punishments will be applicable and in place. Inspectors and teams will be deployed in different places to ensure implementation,” Al Dhaheri said.

He also advised that regular PCR testing should be done at households – including for domestic helpers.

The message comes after the UAE reported the highest ever number of daily Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, with 1,723 infections.

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced that the new cases were found after it conducted 150,244 additional Covid-19 tests.

Read: Covid-19: UAE reports highest number of daily cases at 1,723