Coronavirus: Sharjah Police fine more than 5,000 people for flouting Covid-19 safety rules

It is mandatory to wear a face mask in all indoor and outdoor public areas and on public transport in the UAE

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Bur Dubai area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Bur Dubai area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Bur Dubai area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Bur Dubai area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Bur Dubai area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in Al Satwa area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Bur Dubai area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Bur Dubai area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Bur Dubai area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Al Satwa area in Dubai.

People wearing a protective face mask as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus in the Al Satwa area in Dubai.

Sharjah Police fined 5,432 people for flouting coronavirus safety measures in September.

Penalties of Dh3,000 each were given to people who did not take the steps required to keep the disease in check.

"Of those, 1,542 people were fined for not wearing masks and not keeping distance in crowded outdoor public places," said Maj Gen Saif Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police and head of the emirate's crisis and disaster management team.

“Another 569 fines were issued to people who failed to wear masks in closed public areas despite showing flu-like symptoms.”

Officials also fined 751 people for ignoring social distancing rules in indoor public areas such as shopping malls.

Police gave out 950 fines to motorists for driving a vehicle with more than three people who were not from the same family.

Authorities gave out 912 fines to passengers for overcrowding buses and taxis and for failing to wear masks.

“Inspections and awareness efforts will be intensified by the emirate's teams,” said Maj Gen Al Shamsi.

He urged everyone to follow the safety rules.

“Accomplishing zero infections depends primarily on the public’s commitment to preventive measures,” he said.