Abu Dhabi shutters 354 entities over virus rules

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has closed 354 business facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s three regions, within Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, which came as enforcement to the directives issued by the competent authorities concerning the application of the preventive and precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. This procedure comes as part of the ongoing inspection campaigns to ensure the compliance with the prescribed precautionary procedures.

The Department stated that 29 business facilities violating the implementation of the preventive and precautionary measures and instructions were closed. These facilities practise various commercial and service activities across the emirate. In the meanwhile, the Department has closed other 325 facilities in the cities of the emirate (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra) due to the occurrence of COVID-19 infection among the workers of such facilities, according to WAM.

In view of this, the ADDED instructed the owners of business facilities across the emirate about the need to adhere to the highest levels of societal responsibility, health awareness and the compliance with the decisions issued by official authorities and commitees to combat the pandemic. The Department also emphasised the importance of the role of society members and facilities owners to promote the efforts of competent authorities to limit the spread of the pandemic and reduce the number of infected cases. This is apart from contributing to adapting the conditions for returning economic activities to normalcy and full capacity through adherence to all procedures and instructions relative to health and safety of workers, particularly, those who provide services for customers.

Moreover, the Department stressed its keenness to strictly follow up the full compliance of business facilities owners with the approved preventive and precautionary decisions, and taking the rigorous and strict procedures against all violating facilities in this respect. The Department also urged the business owners and the workers to take all the necessary precautions and atention to maintain their safety and the society members’ safety as well.

Earlier, Dubai has issued fines to 8 establishments for not adhering to COVID-19 guidelines. The Dubai Media office tweeted, “Dubai Economy warns 6 establishments and fines 8 others over the past 24 hours for not adhering to the precautionary measures set to limit COVID-19.” Dubai has been clamping down on activities barred due to the coronavirus.

The authorities have issued fines up to Dhs50,000 to multiple entities for breaking COVID-19 rules.