Abu Dhabi residents must apply for move permits to venture out overnight during sterilisation hours, or risk fines.

The national disinfection programme takes place nightly between 10pm and 6am during Ramadan.

Residents who need to visit a supermarket, pharmacy or hospital are permitted to leave home during the period.

But anyone doing this without obtaining prior permission is expected to justify their actions.

People are allowed to move freely during the day but should take all precautionary measures and follow official guidelines to contain the spread of the virus.“Those going out for absolute necessity, including visiting hospital or pharmacy, or buying essential needs, and don't have move permits during the programme timing, have to provide an evidence on the reasoning behind their emergency,” said Abu Dhabi Police in a statement on Wam.

Move permits can be obtained from www.adpolice.gov.ae.

Anyone found breaking the law by leaving home unnecessarily would be subject to a Dh2,000 fine.

Companies with employees who have to move around during the disinfection period are required to provide documents from the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority with their names and car plate to claim exemption.

Fines can be contested within 15 days from the date of the offence.

SOURCE : NATIONAL AE