Dubai: Even as life resumes to relative normalcy in the UAE, authorities have been issuing detailed guidelines related to social distancing and hygiene practices that are necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19. But if you follow social distancing guidelines, can your organise a gathering or party at home? If so, what steps do you need to take? This was the question raise by a Gulf News reader.
The reader said: “I would like to ask, if it would be possible to list the restrictions regarding social gatherings at home. A few days’ ago the government published a nice, clear list of restrictions for weddings and funerals. Could we please have the same list for meetings at home? For example, if someone would like to celebrate a promotion or a birthday with few friends? What is the maximum number of people who can visit a private home at a given time, and what is the allowed duration of stay, or is it required to use single-use cutleries? I would be really grateful if you could clarify that please.”
Gulf News raised the query with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), which had earlier issued guidelines related to weddings and funerals in the UAE. Responding to the reader’s query, the centre said: “We do not recommend holding any kind of social events for the time being, and necessary formal procedures should suffice. Meanwhile virtual meetings are recommended.”
We do not recommend holding any kind of social events for the time being, and necessary formal procedures should suffice. Meanwhile virtual meetings are recommended.
Fines for violating guidelines
Earlier this week, an Arab artist in the UAE was fined for organising birthday parties at two restaurants in violation of the resolution No. 38 of 2020 issued by the UAE’s Attorney General on enforcement of penalties for violations following Cabinet Resolution No. 17 of 2020 to contain the spread of COVID-19. Based on the fines announced by the UAE’s Attorney General, anyone found organising social gatherings at home will be find Dh10,000 and each attendee fined Dh5,000.
Meeting virtually
With social distancing measures being implemented across the UAE to ensure public health and safety, it has also become easier to connect virtually with your social circle. Earlier this year, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), had issued a list of applications that have been made available.
