Ajman's Department of Economic Development (DED) revised the health and safety protocols in the emirate with the aim of curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Residents in Ajman will be required to follow the new COVID-19 guidelines with effect from February 8.

As per the new rules, cafes, snack shops, and restaurants across the emirate will have to close by 12 am each day. In addition, customer capacity at these spaces has been reduced to 50 percent.

For weddings and social events, the department has limited the number of guests to a maximum of 50 people. Event venues have to ensure that there is a maximum operational capacity of 50 percent at all times.

In order to ensure that businesses are adhering with the new protocols, the department has also stated that intensified inspection campaigns will be launched across all sectors. The department will also take necessary legal and administrative measures against violators.

The UAE Attorney General has announced a series of fines for COVID-19 related violations. These fines are being implemented by authorities across the UAE.

On February 7, Ajman Police informed residents that large gatherings and failure to wearing masks have led to the unprecedented increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country. The police further warned the public of adhering with precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus.

The authority has also warned the public of a fine of Dh3,000 for failure to wear masks in public. While the penalty for violating the limit for the maximum number of passengers in a vehicle is Dh1,000 on the vehicle, the owner of the company the vehicle belongs to will have to pay a fine of Dh5,000.

Organisers of social events such as weddings or large gatherings with more than 20 guests will invite a penalty of Dh10,000, while each participant will have to pay a fine of Dh5,000, the Ajman Police added.

For further information about the new protocols, residents can contact the Ajman Government call centre on 800 70.

Besides Ajman, other emirates including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah have also announced fresh protocols, limiting the number of people allowed in social gatherings and public places.