More preventative measures amidst COVID-19 pandemic
All public and private beaches in the United Arab Emirates are to close amidst the global coronavirus outbreak.
The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority announced it public and private beaches would be temporarily closing as well as parks, cinemas and gyms as a preventative measure to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest preventative measures come into effect today for a “renewable period of 15 days”, the ministry’s statement says.
#UAEGov ordered the closure of public and private beaches, swimming pools, public parks, fitness centers and cinema theaters across the UAE for a renewable period of 15 days, effective Sunday, March 22nd.
— UAEGov (@uaegov) March 21, 2020
Similarly, further restrictions have been placed on restaurants and cafes. Establishments are only permitted to have their client capacity at 20 per cent, and is again effective as of today for the next two weeks for a “renewable period”. There also needs to be at least two metres of distance between customers.
Eateries are also only allowed to remain open if they provide home delivery services.
These measures come after a number of restrictions were put in place last week.
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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