All food and retail outlets in Abu Dhabi including groceries and supermarkets are permitted to remain open round the clock. In addition, a new rule has been laid out that they must function at least 12:00 pm. The Abu Dhabi Government Media Office announced this in coordination with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.
In coordination with @NCEMAUAE, @AbuDhabiDED announces that food retail outlets, including cooperative societies, grocery stores and supermarkets, as well as pharmacies, must open until at least 12am and are permitted to open 24/7. pic.twitter.com/Su5GA2BE0l
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) April 7, 2020
The Abu Dhabi government also added that these stores cannot exceed 30 per cent capacity in order to follow social distancing protocols. The National Sterilisation Programme in the capital continues from 8pm till 6am. Sterilization in industrial zones and labour accommodations will be conducted from 6pm to 6am. The Abu Dhabi City Municipality urged residents to stay home when the sterilization is in process.
What Else?
Meanwhile, did you know Abu Dhabi uses robots for the sterilization drive? The Abu Dhabi civil defence has now started using robots to sanitize the city, as part of the Sterilization Program. A video of robot being used was shared on Twitter and its mind-blowing! Take a look:
#فيديو | شارك روبوت الإدارة العامة الدفاع المدني أبوظبي في برنامج التعقيم الوطني بالتعاون مع مركز أبوظبي لإدارة النفايات "تدوير" تحت شعار يداً بيد لمواجهة فيروس كورونا.#شرطة_أبوظبي@Tadweer_cwm @adcd997 pic.twitter.com/VsOajxrhRY
— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) April 6, 2020
The robot sprays the disinfectant and cleaning substances on the roads and public areas, sanitizing it. The Abu Dhabi police extended their support to the civil defense teams during the process. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi also took a new route to display #stayhome messages, urging residents to stay indoors. A flight carrying the UAE flag along with a #stayhome message was flown past the city.