Inspectors to nail wedding halls flouting Covid rules

ras al khaimah — Undercover inspectors have been deployed by the department of economic development to make sure that all anti-Covid-19 measures are being followed at the recently reopened wedding halls.

“Violators will be issued warning letters, followed by fines starting from Dh3,000 if they don’t shape up, and finally they will be referred to the public prosecution for legal action,” warned Faisal Alyoon, manager, control and trade protection department.

“Undercover inspectors are on vigil to ensure compliance with these measures in the halls,” he said. Precautionary measures need to be adhered to at the wedding ceremonies held at homes or in tents as well, he pointed out.

Hall operators have to present a plan for the wedding site, along with the number of tables and temperature meters and sterilisers, before getting a green light for the ceremony, he explained.

“All workers at the wedding halls need to submit a maximum three-week valid Covid-19 certificate confirming that they are free of the virus.”

The department has ordered the halls to operate at 50 per cent capacity, he pointed out. “Six people are, however, allowed to sit at a table, while a safety distance of two meters must be left between the tables, and all the guests must wear face masks.”

Alyoon said they have dedicated a special mobile number (0565651818) to reply to relevant public queries, adding that the department has allowed wedding cards.