Dubai : Dubai Police banned gatherings of more than five people as part of its major Covid-19 safety drive for Eid Al Fitr.
The host of any gatherings in the emirate with more than five people will be fined Dh50,000 and each guest will receive a Dh15,000 fine, according to Dubai Police.
Thousands of officers will be on patrol during the long weekend, while hundreds of volunteers will remind the public to take precautionary measures.
It is the second year the festival is being observed during the pandemic.
Authorities have already called on citizens and residents to avoid large gatherings and refrain from exchanging gifts and food, encouraging people to send Eid greetings online instead.
Police will enforce virus rules – including the need to wear face masks and maintain the three-metre rule when in public – on land and sea as part of an extensive campaign.
Mosques, where Eid prayers are being held, will be closely monitored to ensure social distancing measures are adhered to.“We will have 3,000 officers and 500 patrols in tourist destinations working each shift,” said Maj Gen Abdullah Al Ghaithi, director of the Department of Protective Security and Emergency at Dubai Police.
The senior officer said 111 ambulances and 72 fire engines would be deployed.
Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, traffic director for the force, said security plans would be implemented to ensure smooth traffic flow and a safe and enjoyable Eid.
He said fines must be issued to people not wearing masks in person.
“If it was not issued in the person’s presence, they can come to the department and we will look into that,” he said.
Brig Al Mazroui urged the public to avoid large gatherings and adhere to Covid-19 regulations.
Action will be taken against those who flout the rules, he said.
“There will be no warnings this time before a fine is issued because people are already well aware of what the precautionary measures are,” he said.
“The fines will be issued at once for those found breaking the rules.”
Twenty-four security patrols and 85 officers on foot will monitor nine beaches.
There will be another 21 sea patrols, more than 150 lifeguards and 18 bicycles and motorbike patrols at beaches.
Eid Al Fitr – which marks the end of Ramadan – will start on Wednesday or Thursday.
The exact date will be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee.
The public and private sector will begin the public holiday on Tuesday.
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