DUBAI: More than 100 UAE residents have been referred to federal authorities for legal action after tampering with the messages of their COVID-19 results to pass through Abu Dhabi’s border checkpoints.
The accused, of different nationalities, have been detained by police and their cases were referred for prosecution, Salem Al-Zaabi, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution, said in a report from state news agency WAM.
“The move falls within the efforts made by the relevant state authorities to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, curb the virus’ spread and ensure the compliance of all Emiratis and residents with the instructions taken by the relevant authorities,” Al-Zaabi said.
Abu Dhabi recently updated its travel rules to allow residents to take 48-hour trips outside the emirate, but must be tested in the city before they leave. Police at border checkpoints check text message confirmation from testing centers or the Al Hosn tracing app to ensure all motorists are negative from coronavirus.
“The Public Prosecution calls upon the public to comply with the preventive and precautionary measures, including all the decisions taken by the relevant government authorities, in order to avoid legal liability,” Al-Zaabi said.
“Legal action will be taken against all those who fail to comply with the COVID-19 countermeasures in order to ensure the safety of the society and its protection and support the government measures taken to stem the fallout of the pandemic on the various heath, economic and social aspects of life.”
