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Get all staff tested or face fines and closures, Abu Dhabi tells employers

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Abu Dhabi - The authority warned of a Dh5,000 fine for non-compliance.

Published: Tue 28 Apr 2020, 7:49 AM

Updated: Tue 28 Apr 2020, 1:52 PM

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All workers at commercial and industrial facilities in Abu Dhabi must get tested for Covid-19, according to a directive issued on Monday. A circular from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) called on workers to "subject themselves" to Covid-19 screening.

Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, undersecretary, ADDED, said that some company owners did not commit to sending their workers for medical testing. He warned that the department's inspectors have the judicial authority to issue fines.

The authority warned of a Dh5,000 fine for non-compliance. The fine amount would be doubled for repeat offenders. The violator would be referred to the Emergency and Crisis Prosecution for a third-time offence.

The department said that facilities that don't comply with the directive could even be closed for six months.

The ADDED urged owners and managers of the commercial facilities to commit towards the precautionary measures spelt out by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP), to curb the spread of the virus.

The UAE has rolled out multiple initiatives to stop the spread of Covid-19 among workers. Labourers at accommodations across the country are screened twice a day for symptoms of the virus. Employers are also required to ensure that workers commit to social distancing at their accommodations.



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