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Amidst the coronavirus scare, the UAE has decided to close all commercial centres including shopping malls for a period of two weeks. Fish, meat and vegetable markets will also be closed. In a statement issued early this morning, the Ministry of Health and Prevention and National Emergency said the decision will come inform effect in the next 48 hours. Besides, grocery stores, pharmacies and wholesalers will be excluded from the new rule.
Furthermore, restaurants will not permit customers, instead their services will be limited to home delivery only. The Ministry also added that the decision will be subject to re-assessment. In addition, UAE newspapers and print publications will also stop distribution in order to curb the spread. The UAE National Media Council has temporarily suspended issuing of newspapers, magazines, and any marketing material from 24 March. Daily news will be updated on websites and apps.
On Saturday, 21 March, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NECDMA) announced that all beaches, pools and parks in the UAE will remind closed for 2 weeks. The new rule is a measure to curb the spread of Covid 19.
#UAE announces temporary closure of beaches, public parks, swimming pools, cinemas & gyms, as well as limiting capacity at dine-in restaurants and cafes for a 2 week period (subject to further extension upon evaluation) starting tomorrow, Sunday March 22, 2020.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 21, 2020
What Else?
The UAE is trying its best to contain the spread of coronavirus. From schools to colleges, nightclubs, spas and restaurants, the city is experiencing a partial lockdown. UAE authorities have strictly ordered residents to refrain from social gatherings or planning trips to public places. Despite repeated warnings, pictures of a ‘jam-packed’ JBR beach on Friday made rounds on Twitter. Other beaches like Kite Beach and Sufouh Beach also saw large gatherings on Friday.
These images angered a host of residents who urged people to be more responsible and stay indoors. Take a look at the tweets:
Meanwhile, in Dubai: pic.twitter.com/pNGdLuWMMa
— Ashleigh Stewart (@Ash_Stewart_) March 21, 2020
Can confirm: people on Dubai’s JBR beach have developed a momentary amnesia that has robbed them of their knowledge of units of measurement, Govt guidelines and just general common sense.#SocialDistancing #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/y9qQasqd3N
— Ashleigh Stewart (@Ash_Stewart_) March 21, 2020
Residents expressed their anger about the irresponsible behavior:
This will lead to a enforced lockdown. I don’t understand how can we not learn from Italy or the states! What are we waiting for? The number of cases to go up in thousands? I’m tired of hearing “mortality rate is low. Old people are impacted.” Have SHAME people.
— Safa Yakoob (@SafaYk) March 21, 2020
What Else?
In the light of the recent Coronavirus threat, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have taken new initiatives to prevent the spread of the virus. The Department of Culture and Tourism announced that nightclubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will remain closed until the end of March. Besides, Abu Dhabi has also banned weddings in the Emirate, until the month end, to prevent spread of the virus.
Also Read: Corona Virus In The UAE: Everything You Must Know
After schools, colleges and universities announced a 4-week long holiday, pubs, theaters and restaurants seem to follow suit. The Department of Culture and Tourism has now issued a ban on nightclubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The circular mentioned that Compliance officers will visit establishments to ensure adherence. Further, strict legal action will be taken against violators. The ban is effective from Sunday, March 15 until the end of the month. Besides, Abu Dhabi has also banned weddings in the Emirate and has shut down a few popular restaurants.
Additionally, malls in Abu Dhabi are now fitted with thermal detectors as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile here are 5 Ways To Be Loving Towards Your City During The Dreaded Coronavirus Pandemic