Coronavirus: shop shut down on opening day for breaking virus rules

Another 10 shops warned for breaching Covid-19 rules

A shop was closed on its opening day in Dubai for breaking strict covid rules. Victor Besa /The National

A shop in Dubai has been shut down on its opening day due to overcrowding, officials from Dubai Economy said.

The unnamed retailer was closed during its grand opening as crowds of shoppers looking to take advantage of new offers were not sticking to strict social distancing rules to limit the spread of Covid-19.

It is the latest action taken by the department to crack down on businesses flouting health and safety guidelines during the pandemic.

Another establishment was fined, while 10 more shops received warnings for not taking precautions seriously. During the inspections, 581 businesses were found to comply with regulations.

“Stern action will be taken against any non-compliance with the precautionary measures found during inspections or that may be reported by consumers and the public,” a spokesman for Dubai Economy said.

“The disciplinary action is meant to be a deterrent against any violation or abuse.”

Just 24 hours earlier, field inspectors from the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) Sector in Dubai Economy visited to a number of open markets and shopping centres across Dubai, fining two other businesses for similar violations.

Fines were imposed on two commercial establishments for employees’ lack of commitment to wearing masks.

Those punished included a building supplier and commercial brokerage in the Al Muraqqabat and Riggat Al Buteen areas of the city.

During a day of spot checks, inspectors found 748 shops and commercial establishments fully complied with the precautionary measures in place.