The Dubai Government Media Office has announced that the National Sterilisation Programme in Dubai will be extended to 24 hours a day across all areas and communities in the emirate for a period of two weeks subject to renewal.

Individuals will not be allowed to leave the house, except for essential purposes or if they are working in vital sectors exempted from the restrictions, according to the statement released by the Dubai government.

Food retail outlets, such as Union cooperative stores and supermarkets, as well as pharmacies and food and medicine deliveries are allowed to operate as usual.

However, when shopping for essential needs; only one family member will be permitted to leave the house for this purpose.

Intensified restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles will be adopted to help protect the health and safety of the community. These restrictions will help the authorities in their efforts to combat COVID-19.

All people leaving home should wear a mask, gloves and ensure they keep a safe distance from others, the government has advised the residents.

Anyone violating the restrictions will face stringent legal action. The compliance of all people is vital to the success of measures to combat the virus and ensure the highest levels of protection.

Employees working in vital sectors will be exempted from restrictions and permitted to leave their house at any time of the day to commute to work. A proof of identification and work ID must be with the people.

Public transport allowed are buses and taxis only. Dubai Metro services have been suspended.

Extensive medical tests will be conducted across densely populated areas of Dubai to ensure members of the community are free from COVID-19 infection.

Employees are permitted to work between 8.00 am and 2:00 pm if they are working in Banking and financial services including exchange centres. Social welfare services. Laundry services (for permitted outlets) & Maintenance services.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) today announced its public bus services will be free of charge during the extended two-week sterilisation period. Also, Dubai Taxi vehicles and franchised taxis will offer a 50 percent discount on normal fares.

The vital sectors exempted from restrictions (24 hours a day) include:
• Healthcare services (Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies).
• Food supply outlets (Union Cooperative outlets, supermarkets, groceries).
• Delivery services (Food and medicine).
• Restaurants (operations limited to home deliveries only).
• Manufacturers of medicines and providers of healthcare and medical supplies.
• Industrial sector (only vital industries).
• Industrial supply chain for services and basic commodities.
• Water and electricity sector, petrol and gas stations and district cooling services.
• Telecommunications sector.
• Media sector.
• Airports, airlines, ports, shipping.
• Customs duty and border crossings.
• Public and private security services.
• Municipality services and public and private service providers involved in garbage collection, sewage management and general cleaning and sanitation.
• Private and government sector organisations involved in combating the coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Public transport (buses and taxis only; metro and tram services will be suspended).
• Construction sector, subject to obtaining a permit from Dubai Municipality and the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs.

Support Sectors
Employees working in these sectors are permitted to commute to work between 8.00 am and 2.00 pm.
• Banking and financial services (banks and exchange centres).
• Social welfare services.
• Laundry services (for permitted outlets).
• Maintenance services.

(Writing by Mily Chakrabarty)
(mily,chakrabarty@refinitiv.com)

#CORONAVIRUS #DUBAI #HEALTHCARE

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

 

© ZAWYA 2020