Coronavirus: Dubai cafe shut for ignoring distancing rules

The closure is part of a clampdown following a rise in cases

Safety measures are implemented at The Butcher restaurant in the Marina. Dubai. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National

Covid-19 safety measures are implemented at The Butcher restaurant in the Marina, Dubai.

A "stay safe" sign in Jumeirah.

A man makes his deliveries on a moped in the Marina, Dubai.

A man at the marina hoses down a boat.

A Five hotel employee puts luggage through a Ultra Violet sanitiser machine.

The Waterfront Market in Deira, Dubai.

People look at artwork for sale at Anyahh Art in Dubai.

A man wearing a mask at Anyahh Art, Dubai.

A woman takes pictures in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, with a protective mask on.

A Covid-19 message is painted on a Dubai street.

A couple walk home from the shops in JVC, Dubai.

Dubai Department of Economic Development has shut a cafe in Karama and fined seven businesses for breaching Covid-19 regulations.

The cafe ignored physical distancing guidelines, the department said.

Seven commercial establishments whose employees demonstrated “a lack of commitment” to wearing masks correctly were fined.

The department found 274 shops and businesses to be compliant with national regulations during its inspection on Friday.

Authorities are cracking down on businesses and individuals failing to follow Covid-19 health measures after a swell of new cases. The UAE on Saturday has reported 1,007 new cases of the coronavirus.

Health officials confirmed 95,287 tests were undertaken with 521 recoveries and one death

Earlier this week, police stopped a wedding at a home in Abu Dhabi and fined the groom, his father and the father of the bride.

A department store was fined Dh50,000 for a flash sale on Wednesday that caused crowds to gather on the streets.

On Thursday, a restaurant in Satwa was shut for breaching social distancing regulations after running a free-meal promotion that drew crowds.

The economic department thanked the public for its co-operation and asked for support in observing social distancing measures.

Also on Saturday, Dubai Municipality said it was visiting hotels to ensure compliance.

The public can report contraventions of Covid-19 rules by uploading a photograph of the premises to the Dubai Consumer app, by calling 600 545 555 or by visiting consumerrights.ae.