Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announces partial easing of restrictions on movement in Dubai

In line with the decisions of the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, NCEMA, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management headed by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced a partial reduction in the restrictions on movement in the emirate starting from Friday 24 April.

The move, which coincides with the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan, allows increased freedom of movement, while ensuring the continuation of strict precautionary and preventive measures. The Committee has also outlined a new set of guidelines on movement and a list of exempted commercial activities and vital sectors.

The decision to reduce restrictions on movement in Dubai follows a careful assessment of the current situation and analysis of reports from various authorities working to combat the pandemic, the Committee said. Underlining the emirate’s success in countering the spread of the virus, it said that stringent measures undertaken over the last three weeks have significantly helped to mitigate the crisis.

The Committee thanked members of the community for their full commitment to the preventive and precautionary measures. It added that the community’s compliance with restrictions on movement reflects its strong spirit of shared responsibility highlighted by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s recent remark: ‘Today we are all responsible’.

It further stressed that despite the partial easing of restrictions on movement, the public is not allowed to hold public or private gatherings. Those who breach the guidelines will face legal action. The need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community cannot be underestimated, the Committee stressed.

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management expressed its appreciation for the efforts undertaken by all entities represented in the Committee as well as the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) at the federal level and the noble efforts of frontline workers.

"Despite the difficult circumstances the world is facing today, the UAE has set an example for dealing with the crisis. The guidance and follow up of the leadership, the combined efforts of all stakeholders and the close integration of various measures and initiatives helped the country deal effectively with the crisis. This was also made possible through the commitment of all individuals and institutions both in the private and public sector. All measures undertaken by the country have been driven by the objective of safeguarding everyone’s safety and wellbeing," the Committee said in a statement.

Public transport (bus & metro), restaurants & cafes (except for buffet and shisha), retail sector (malls, high-street outlets and souqs), wholesale sector and maintenance shops will be allowed to operate under certain conditions. Family entertainment facilities, cinemas, changing rooms and prayer rooms will not be allowed to operate. Hotels will be allowed to operate without opening pools, gyms, sauna and massage parlours. A maximum of 30% of the workforce of all organisations will be allowed to work from their offices while the rest will be required to work from home.

Reduced Restrictions on Movement for the General Public As part of the first phase of easing of restrictions, the stringent curbs on public movement will now be limited to the period between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am. During this period, the public will be allowed to leave their homes only for medical emergencies.

Individuals will be able to leave their homes between 6.00 am and 10.00 pm without a permit. The public will be required to strictly follow precautionary measures which include maintaining physical distance from others as per guidelines and wearing a face mask. Those who do not wear a mask will be subject to a fine of AED1,000.

Exercising outside the home: Members of the public are allowed to exercise outside their homes provided they do not leave their area of residence. They can undertake activities such as walking, running or cycling for 1-2 hours each time. Only a maximum of three persons can exercise at the same time. Individuals must follow preventive measures including ensuring two-metre distance from other individuals and wearing face masks.

Family Visits: Considering the advent of Ramadan and the social customs and traditions surrounding the Holy Month, members of the public are permitted to visit first and second degree relatives. Gatherings should be restricted to not more than five people. However, visiting high-risk individuals (individuals above 60 years and those with underlying medical conditions) should be avoided. It is prohibited to hold gatherings in public or private places.

Ramadan tents and Majlises are not allowed within homes and in public places.

Shopping malls and commercial outlets - Shopping malls, markets and commercial outlets will be open daily to the public from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Furthermore, restaurants and shops are allowed to operate at a maximum of 30 percent capacity at the shopping malls.

- Malls and retail outlets are not allowed to hold entertainment events to avoid congestion and crowding.

- There will be no valet parking at malls and restaurants. The first hour of parking in shopping malls will be free.

- Only 25% of the parking spaces will be open in order to reduce overcrowding in malls. The public should visit a mall only when absolutely necessary.

- Sterilisation operations will continue inside malls. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks at entrances and will be required to wear masks as a condition for entering a mall. Malls are also required to make sterilisers widely available to ensure the highest level of protection for visitors and workers.

- All shopping malls will have a medical isolation room for emergency purposes in case someone in the mall is suspected to be infected with the virus.

- Individuals above the age of 60 and children between three and 12 years of age will not be allowed to enter malls.

- As part of a new mandatory policy, purchases can be returned or exchanged at all stores and outlets only of there is a defect.

- Malls and outlets are encouraged to use smart and electronic payment methods and avoid the use of cash.

Restaurants and Cafes - Restaurants and cafés are allowed to operate normally but are not permitted to serve shisha and buffet. Dine-in customers are allowed but should occupy only a maximum of 30% of the outlet’s capacity.

- A two-metre physical distance should be strictly maintained between individuals. All diners and staff should wear masks.

- Only single-use cutlery can be used at restaurants and cafes.

- Restaurants are allowed to provide food delivery services between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am.

- Services offered at salons for males and females will be restricted to hair and nail services. Customers can be received only by prior appointment and all preventive and health measures should be strictly observed.

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