Time for social distancing
It’s now become a worldwide plea amidst the coronavirus outbreak: stay home.
Dubai launched an official appeal on Saturday calling on everyone to avoid leaving their homes.
In a video released via the Dubai Media Office Instagram, a poignant message to members of the public was sent.
In 20 different languages, those who live in Dubai are told to “stay home”.
The languages used included Arabic, English, German, Italian, French, Mandarin and more.
Dubai-based company Club Apparel is also leading “by example”.
Sending an important message to their 51,000 followers on Instagram, they encouraged everyone to #DoYourPart by practising social distancing.
“In times like these, we must lead by example,” the caption of Club Apparel’s post stated. “Let us all take responsibility and practice physical distancing while remaining socially connected. Together we are stronger.”
Globally governments are encouraging the general public to practice social distancing and self-isolation in order to contain the spreading of coronavirus.
Some cities and countries have even gone into lockdown.
Shutdowns in the UAE
So far in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE, all public and private beaches have been closed, tourist attractions have been shutdown and public prayers have been suspended.
Last Monday, the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority and General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments stated all prayers at mosques, churches and temples will temporarily be cancelled for the next four weeks in a bid to contain the spreading of coronavirus, and to safeguard public health of UAE citizens and residents.
All Dubai pubs, bars and lounges have also been closed until the end of March amidst the global coronavirus outbreak.
“In line with Dubai Government precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of its residents and visitors; Dubai Tourism notifies all bars, pubs and lounges (including bars within restaurants) to close with immediate effect from today (Monday 16 march 2020) till the end of March,” a statement from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said.
It was stated that Dubai Tourism would continue to evaluate “the situation in coordination with the health authorities”.
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