Dubai announced a two-week-long lockdown starting on April 3 to contain the spread of the coronavirus, UAE news agency WAM reports, citing the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

Furthermore, the emirate waved a red flag stating that mobility would be restricted and legal action taken against any violator, WAM further added. Supermarkets and pharmacies as well as food and drug delivery services would continue to operate as normal.

The UAE announced a surge in coronavirus cases with several hundred people diagnosed since April 1, with a total number of cases reaching 1,505 on April 4.