Reopening Dubai: The City Prepares to Ease Lockdown for the Public
Ramadan is almost here, and UAE residents have a lot of preparations to take care of and things to buy. Yesterday, Dubai Economy announced that businesses must be on standby, as directives from relevant government departments will be announced shortly regarding the reopening of different sectors and businesses across the city, however, exact dates are yet to be announced.
The announcement highlighted that shopping malls will be operating for 10 hours, while ensuring a small dedicated area on site to isolate potential positive cases. Wearing a mask is mandatory. Mall visitors are only allowed inside for a maximum of 3 hours and 75% of mall parking spots are to be closed. Nevertheless, people above 60 years old, and children between the age 3-12 years old are not permitted to enter. Entertainment and attractions, as well as escalators, will also be closed and public seating will be removed.
The circular also noted precautions tailored specifically for Ramadan, including no gatherings of over 10 people in private places, and no gathering for prayers. “It is not advised to share food within family members living in different houses to minimize transmission risk, however, when receiving food from family or friends the food items should be carefully transferred to home containers”.
In its 12 hours of operation for the metro, buses, and taxis, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans on constantly reminding passengers to maintain social distancing in trains and stations, encourage them to use taxis, and distribute general guidelines for them to follow.
The suspension of malls in Dubai started on March 26th and has been ongoing since then in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Offices will also be allowed to reopen, but not exceed 8 hours daily, while ensuring physical distancing of two meters in all common areas and minimizing meetings.
The UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi has also announced on Wednesday that a plan is in place to open the malls in the city, taking into consideration several safety precautions, such as mandatory masks and gloves for visitors and staff, and denying entry to anyone recording a temperature above 38 C, among other precautions.
