Dubai extends COVID-19 safety measures till mid-April

Dubai has announced the extension of COVID-19 safety measures until the start of Ramadan in mid-April to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said the decision is based on the effectiveness of the rules introduced in February, recommendations of frontline authorities and the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Indoor venues, including cinemas, entertainment and sports venues, will continue to operate at 50 per cent maximum capacity, while visitors allowed in shopping malls, hotel establishments like swimming pools and private beaches, will be limited to 70 per cent of total capacity.

Restaurants and cafes will be required to close by 1:00 am, and pubs and bars will remain closed.

Intensified monitoring and inspection campaigns will continue to ensure strict compliance with measures, including physical distancing and wearing of facemasks.

These measures will be monitored and updated based on local and international developments.

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The Committee urged the public to continue observing precautionary measures, stressing that their commitment is critical to counter the pandemic.

Observing preventive protocols and safety guidelines remain the most effective ways of combating the virus, the authority added.

Members of the community are encouraged to report violations of COVID-19 precautionary measures by individuals or establishments through Dubai Police’s Call Centre 901 or its ‘Police Eye’ service on its Smart App.

The body also commended the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and the Ministry of Health and Prevention for successfully coordinating counter-pandemic measures.

The pace of the UAE's vaccination drive has also contributed to maintain public health and safety.