Publishing or circulating fake and misleading health information is now punishable with a Dh20,000 fine, the UAE Government announced on Saturday.

The UAE Cabinet has adopted a decision, strictly prohibiting the circulation of unapproved health information.

"It is strictly prohibited for anyone to publish, re-publish, or circulate false, misleading, misrepresented, unofficially published or unapproved health information or guidelines by the Ministry (of Health and Prevention) or the health regulators. using any media, social media or method of publication or circulation," the UAE government tweeted.

Contradicting what has been announced by the health authorities is also a violation, according to the Cabinet decision.

Violators will have to face a Dh20,000 fine imposed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the health regulators.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, reiterated the policy and discussed the fine in a virtual press briefing on Saturday.

"Community cooperation during this period is not limited to following preventive measures, but also includes the dissemination and exchange of the right and important information and news, especially health information regarding the COVID-19 in the country,"