ão Paulo – The government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates said it will impose novel restrictions on the hospitality industry, including bars, restaurants, malls and hotels. The measures will be effective from Tuesday (2) to February 28, the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) said.
The decision was made by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, and it will apply to entertainment venues as the city steps up its efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
The GDMO said in a statement that the new decisions are part of a constant reassessment of the pandemic in the emirate. The measures will ensure precautionary action is up-to-date and in line with local, regional and international developments. According to the GDMO, daily reports have shown a sharp increase in number of safety breaches.
The Committee emphasized that full cooperation from institutions and community members is key to ensure the effective rollout of Dubai’s coronavirus strategy.
Hotels and malls will be allowed to operate at 70% capacity, maximum. Restaurants and cafés will close at 1 am, and pubs and bars will not be allowed to open before the end of the month. Venues with indoor seats such as movie halls, entertainment and sporting venues will be allowed to function at 50% of their capacity. Swimming pools and private beaches in hotels will operate at 70%.
The Supreme Committee stressed that penalties will be imposed on “anyone found posing a risk to public health by deliberately disregarding preventive measures or not observing them properly. Inspections will be intensified to ensure compliance with precautionary measures, which continue to be crucial in overcoming the pandemic and protecting the community, especially the most vulnerable section,” it said.
So far, there have been 303,609 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 850 deaths from the disease in the UAE.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
