Dubai Police launch Covid-19 safety campaign for Eid Al Fitr

Thousands of officers and hundreds of volunteers will be deployed across the emirate to ensure the holidays are held in line with safety measures

People walk around in the Al Karama area of Dubai as life in the UAE beings to resemble pre-pandemic times. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

The country has got to grips with curbing the spread of Covid-19.

The UAE registered its lowest daily tally of new Covid-19 infections in 20 months.

More than 100 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in the UAE to date.

People wearing masks are out shopping in the Al Karama area of Dubai.

The UAE's extensive vaccination campaign has been widely credited with helping to drive down case numbers.

New daily cases have remained below 100 for five weeks.

Authorities confirmed last week that 100 per cent of the eligible population had now received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose.

More than 90 per cent of the UAE population are fully vaccinated.

A masked worker pushes a trolley laden with water bottles in the Al Karama area of Dubai.

Social distancing stickers pasted at a bus stop serve as a warning to travellers in Dubai.

People shopping in the Al Karama area of Dubai.

Dubai Police have launched a major Covid-19 safety drive for Eid Al Fitr.

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 holiday 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 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.

Earlier this year, police broke up a series of gatherings, including a yacht party, a desert event and a private function at a home, for breaching safety measures.

Police issued fines of Dh50,000 to the organiser and Dh15,000 to participants in each case.

“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.

Abu Dhabi Police also reminded the public to abide by the rules on gatherings and parties during the Eid Al Fitr holidays.

According to the latest rules in the capital that were issued on February 7, up to 10 family members can gather together but they must wear face masks and remain at least two metres apart.

Anyone found breaking Covid-19 safety rules will be fined. The host will be fined Dh10,000 and each individual who attends crowded gatherings and parties at homes will be fined Dh5,000, said officials.