The Ministry of Health and Prevention has confirmed new home quarantine rules.
The Ministry said that there are two groups of people who should consider home quarantine.
People who test positive for COVID-19 or those who have been in close contract with somebody who has contracted the coronavirus should ensure that they stay at home and self-isolate until their next test.
Breaking this home quarantine rule will lead to a fine of Dh.50,000. On repeating this violation, the fine will increase to Dh.100,000 or a prison term of upto six months.
To ensure that people comply with the quarantine requirements, patients who test positive are required to wear an electronic wristband being distributed by testing centres. They should also download the ‘Al Hosn’ app on their smartphones on being notified about the test result through text message or call. The wristband will be removed only after the patient tests negative twice.
In case the COVID-19 positive patients refuse to use the wristband, or who do not download and register on the app, they will be fined Dh.10,000. The same fine will be imposed on anybody who lose or destroys the wristband or disrupts the network connectivity.
Furthermore, those who destroy the wristband will have to bear the expense of replacing the device.
Meanwhile, people who have come in close contact with COVID-19 positive patients will have to simply self-isolate at home. The health authorities will notify them, and they should leave the house only to go for further testing.
