COVID-19: DHA's tips for staying safe at the beach

The Dubai Health Authority urges the public to follow all safety precautions and not to be complacent when going to the beach.

Officials say the new measures, which include wearing masks and practicing social distancing, should be treated as the ‘new normal’.

The reminder comes more than a week after Dubai Police said they fined more than 300 people for violating rules on the beach.

People must wear masks, which they can remove in the water. Social distancing on the other hand must be practiced even when swimming.

Anyone with symptoms ranging from sore throat to upper-respiratory illness should not go to the beach at all.  

Experts say using a tissue when touching the door knobs of public toilets and refraining from sharing personal items such as beach mats and sunscreen could help prevent the spread of the virus. 

Once home, one must remove their masks and footwear immediately, disinfect their things including keys and wallets, and take a shower.

Here are other tips for beachgoers, from the DHA:

1.     Ensure physical distancing at ALL times even in the water
2.     Wear a facemask on the beach; it is not necessary in the water
3.     Ensure that your group does not exceed five  people
4.     Carry your own beach mat, towel, sunscreen and water and do not share personal items
5.     Follow all preventive precautions especially when using public spaces such as washrooms.
6.     Keep a pocket-sanitiser, wet wipes and tissues at all times
7.     Keep extra masks in a zip-lock bag and sanitise before using it.
8.     Make sure to wash your hands or sanitise them before eating any food or touching your face- eyes, nose and mouth.
9.     Bring your own food and drinks from your house. If you opt to eat out, make sure you ask for disposable cutlery. Ensure that the restaurant adheres to all preventive and precautionary measures.
10.Drink enough fluids and use sunscreen
11.Be up-to-date with the latest laws and guidelines.
12.Avoid paying in cash and use electronic payments like a credit or debit card instead to avoid touching banknotes.
13.Do not step out of your house if you have any respiratory-symptoms, a sore throat or even a mild fever.

DHA reminds people to only rely on information from official sources and those who have any query can call the following numbers: DHA call centre -800 342, Estijaba service at the operation center, Department of Health – 8001717 or Ministry of Health & Prevention – 80011111.