A combo image shows ‘Stay Home... Stay Safe’ message displayed on the Burj Khalifa.

The UAE has called upon the public to stay at home except in cases of necessity, including getting essential supplies, such as food and medicine, or performing jobs.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), asked the public to comply with the instructions issued by competent health and security authorities, primarily limiting social contacts and avoiding crowded places to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

The UAE also decided to close all commercial centres, and shopping malls along with open fish, meat and vegetables markets for a renewable period of two weeks.

The UAE law on communicable diseases, which includes fines and jail terms, will be enforced against all violators.

The ministry called upon the public to adhere to preventive measures, follow news updates on the health developments from the official government sources and disregard rumours and not circulate them.

"Violators will be subject to legal actions," the Ministry said.