365 patrols make sure Sharjah residents are safe

sharjah — A total of 365 police patrols will be deployed across the emirate during the Eid Al Fitr holidays to ensure that the residents are complying with the restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Addressing a virtual Press conference organised by the Sharjah Government Media Office, MajorGeneral Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of the Sharjah Police, said that hundreds of security and traffic patrols will be deployed on the emirate’s roads and across the residential and industrial areas. “The patrols will issue fines for all those who violate the curfew during National Sterilisation Programme,” he added.

The police will continue to enforce the guidelines to support the National Sterilisation Programme being carried out in coordination with the municipality and other entities.

Major-Gen Al Shamsi said a committee has been formed to curb the spread of Covid-19 in all industrial areas in the emirate, which has officials from the Sharjah Police, municipality, Sharjah Economic Development Department and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

“The committee, in coordination with the health authorities, is working on carrying out Covid-19 tests among the workers on daily basis. As many as 97,645 workers from 31 labour accommodations had been tested for Covid-19 and a few cases were found to be positive.”

He said the workers who tested positive have been given care and treatment, while those who had been in contact with them were quarantined in one labour accommodation. The ban preventing workers from travelling outside the emirate has contributed in limiting the spread of the virus among the workers.

Maj-Gen Al Shamsi said despite the intensified awareness campaign, there is lack of awareness among workers. “The second challenge is that many companies failed to provide accommodation and food to its workers, due to financial difficulties. The police, in coordination with the Sharjah Charity, have managed to ensure accommodation and food for these workers. We are also addressing other issues being faced by workers and ensuring that they receive their salaries,” added the police chief.

Responding to a question from Khaleej Times, Maj-Gen Al Shamsi said the police would use drones and loud speakers in residential areas to alert the residents of the danger of gathering during Eid celebrations and will fine any group that is found gathering in public streets and areas.

He urged the residents to stay home and refrain from gathering during Eid days to prevent the spread of Covid-19.