How COVID 19 is spreading here! Dubai authorities tighten rules to keep residents, tourists safe from the coronavirus

Authorities in Dubai have issued multiple new Covid-19 safety measures to protect residents and tourists from the coronavirus.

Inspectors from regulatory bodies like the Dubai Economy, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Tourism are out on the field to ensure that all precautionary measures are followed at outlets and venues. The fresh directives will ensure more social distancing at private gatherings, weddings, eateries, gyms and hospitals across the emirate. Here is a list of all the announcements that were made over the weekend. According to Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, only first-degree relatives can attend weddings, social events and private parties. The maximum number of guests allowed has been capped at 10. The directive — which is applicable for events at homes and hotels — is effective from Wednesday, January 27. Tables at restaurants in Dubai will be set up three metres apart — up from the previous two metres. Additionally, the number of people allowed to sit on one table has been capped at seven — reduced from 10 earlier.

>> Safety at cafes

Only four patrons are allowed per table at cafes. The distance between tables has been increased to three metres.

>> Safety rules for gyms

Fitness centres and gyms in Dubai will need to increase the physical distancing between the sports equipment and trainees from 2 to 3 metres.

>> Shows cancelled

The Dubai Tourism has suspended all the entertainment permits issued in the emirate. This came after the authority detected more than 200 violations of safety guidelines and closed down around 20 establishments in three weeks.

>> Shows on ships, floating eateries cancelled

No entertainment activities will be allowed on board vessels or floating restaurants “until further notice”.

>> Some live shows allowed

However, the Dubai Tourism said live events, including the concerts of Egyptian star Amr Diab at the Dubai International Stadium and Enrico Macias at the Dubai Opera, will continue as scheduled. These events will be held amid strict safety measures, including a minimum social distancing of 2 metres and wearing of masks.

To ensure proper physical distancing, the capacity of the venues has been reduced according to the one-person-per-4 square metres rule.

>> Non-essential surgeries suspended

Hospitals and day surgical clinics won’t perform non-essential surgeries till February 19. The decision applies to elective therapeutic surgeries that require deep sedation or general anesthesia. Elective surgeries that are medical emergencies are permitted.

Despite Dubai community members complying with precautionary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, private gatherings and parties at homes and weddings are still the major reasons behind the recent spike in the number of positive cases, the chief of Dubai Police has observed.

Lt General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-In-Chief of Dubai Police, said that some people were neglecting the precautionary measures like social distancing and wearing of masks at private gatherings and those were the reasons behind the recent spike in the number of positive cases of COVID-19.

“It is rare to see someone at a public place not wearing a mask. Many people complying [with the health protocol] shows increased awareness in society. But the problem is with private gatherings like weddings and those at homes,” Lt Gen Al Merri told Gulf News.

Culled From Khaleej Times