UAE: Amendment of medical law to combat Coronavirus

United Arab Emirates has amended the old law to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new amendment, if a person suffering from Coronavirus hides his disease, he will be given imprisonment and fined as well. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that in the infectious disease law, the 2014-Law 14, Coronavirus has been added to the list.

The addition of Coronavirus in the list is to protect the public’s health and to stabilize the government’s efforts in combating the deadly virus. The Ministry of Health has made it clear that under the new law if a person suffering from Coronavirus hides his condition or tries to spread it, he will be imprisoned or have to pay a fine of 10,000 Dirhams. In certain conditions, he could face both punishments.

If a doctor, pharmacist, pharmacy technician or a medical practitioner don’t inform the authorities that a person suffering from Coronavirus or have died battling the disease, they will have to face professional punishments. The law also applies to co-workers, in charge of ship, airplane and any other transport. If they know of any suspected corona patient traveling in any of the transport operated by them, they must inform the concerned authorities.

People violating the law will have to go to jail or be fined a minimum of 10,000 Dirhams and a maximum of 50,000 Dirhams or face both the punishments.

Coronavirus patients who don’t turn to hospitals or health clinics will also face punishments. If Coronavirus patients knowing their conditions keep on interacting with people, they will face a minimum of five years imprisonment and a 50,000 Dirham fine.