After
long weeks of drastic lockdown in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak,
governments across the world are working on easing restrictions in their
countries. The UAE is also gradually lifting its lockdown measures and
reopening its economic activities in a bid to return to normalcy after strict
curfew amid the global health pandemic.
In
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while malls and dine-in restaurants cautiously reopened
earlier this month, the government on Wednesday allowed a slew of activities
for the citizens. Offices throughout the UAE are also steadily resuming their activities
with news rules for safety of workers in place. However, while allowing
day-to-day activities, the authorities mandated the people to wear masks and
follow social distancing guidelines while stepping out of their houses.
Dubai: What is allowed as of Wednesday?
Residents
are allowed to move freely from 6 am till 11 pm while practicing social
distancing norms. Business activities such as cinemas, gyms, sports academies
are permitted to reopen with regular sanitization. Gyms will be operating at a
reduced capacity of 50% where people will be required to wear masks all the
time. Restaurants have been asked to disinfect their spaces continuously,
allowing them to use only single-use cutlery. Notably, Dubai international
airport will be resuming its operation completely final approval from the
authorities. Entertainment and leisure attractions, outsourced government
service centres are also permitted to resume operations. Non-essential medical
services, such as routine trips to the dentist, will also be allowed.
Regulations in place
Citizens
seeking to return from abroad, which will be allowed from June 1, will have to
undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine at their residences. Mosques and public
beaches will remain closed as of now. Gyms and pools inside residential
compounds have not yet been given a green signal for reopening by the
government.
Easing restrictions in Abu Dhabi
Curfew
on the movement of citizens in the night from 8 pm to 6 am to remain in place.
Malls, cafes, and restaurants have been reopened with regulations on the number
of customers they can allow. Furthermore, the Department of Culture and Tourism
Abu Dhabi has laid down a set of guidelines for hotels, gyms, beaches, bars,
and restaurants to follow while reopening their business operations. Following
social distancing norms and wearing masks, people have been allowed to step out
of their houses to exercise for up to two hours a day. Senior citizens above
60-year-old have been advised to remain in their residence.
Returning to normalcy
While
countries across the globe are tirelessly working for the development of a
COVID-19 vaccine, it has inevitable that people will have to learn to with the
virus. As of May 27, the UAE has over 31,000 Coronavirus infected cases. While
restrictions are being eased, people are required to stay cautious and ensure
safety measures for their health and well-being.
KEYWORDS:
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Coronavirus lockdown, New normal. COVID-19 pandemic, UAE
government
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