The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has will slap a fine of up to 20,000 dirhams ($5,500) against people who peddle fake news about the COVID-19 pandemic.

While announcing the decision on Saturday, the UAE government said only the health ministry and other state health institutions responsible for distributing "true" health information and guidelines to the nation.

"It is forbidden for any individual to publish, re-publish or circulate medical information or guidance which is false, misleading or which hasn't been announced officially ... using print, audiovisual or social media, or online websites or any other way of publication or circulation," state-run news agency WAM reported on Saturday, citing the government directive.

The move appears to be aimed at curbing the spread of false COVID-19 information in the UAE.

The UAE has registered over 6,300 COVID-19 cases and 37 deaths. The Middle Eastern country imposed a nighttime curfew on March 26 in efforts to contain the spread of the disease.

Source(s): Al Jazeera