Explained: All the ease in coronavirus-related restrictions in Dubai

From shopping malls to reduced disinfection timings – here is all you need to know

Last updated:
Huda Tabrez, Living in UAE Editor, Living in UAE Editor
4 MIN READ
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The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced a partial reduction in the restrictions on movement in Dubai starting from Friday, April 24.
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Despite the ease in restrictions, everyone was asked to abide by precautionary measures to ensure community health.
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No public gatherings would be allowed and anyone breaching this guideline would face legal action.
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The restrictions, however, have been reduced to 10pm till 6am.
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If you are travelling during the day - until 10pm at night - you would no longer need a move permit. After 10pm, people are only allowed to go out for medical emergencies.
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Regardless of the reason you are stepping out, you are required to wear a face mask at all times.
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Not wearing a mask would lead to a find of Dh1,000.
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Social distancing is also extremely important during the relaxations.
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You can now exercise outdoors, however, limit it to one or two hours.
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You are also not allowed to leave your area of residence during exercising outdoors.
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Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
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Family visits should also be avoided as much as possible.
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You can, however, meet first and second degree relatives. Gatherings, in such cases, should not be of more than five people.
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Avoid meeting the elderly or those who fall in the vulnerable group. Public gatherings of all types are prohibited.
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Ramadan tents and majlises are not allowed either. Distributing food is only allowed through registered charities.
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Shopping malls and commercial outlets were also given detailed guidelines which they need to follow for reopening.
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Malls would be open from 12noon to 10pm, and occupancy should only reach 30 per cent of full capacity.
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Entertainment events or valet services would not be available.
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Encouraging people to keep their trip short, the first hour of parking would be free.
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Visitors can also expect health checks at the entrance and are required to wear face masks.
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Sterilisers should also be available across the mall.
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Malls would also have medical isolation rooms, in case there is a suspected case.
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The elderly - above the age of 60 - and children between the ages of three to 12 will not be allowed.
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While a return policy would still be implemented by stores, it would only be for defected items, so shop prudently.
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Opt for electronic payments, even though cash payments would be accepted.
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Food and beverage outlets would not be allowed to serve shisha or host buffets.
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Restaurants would need to adhere to social distancing protocols for their customers as well.
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After 10pm, restaurants are allowed to offer food delivery services, up until 6am.
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Salons, too, would be open, but only for hair and nail treatments.
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However, remember to book an appointment first.
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Hotels will be allowed to operate but swimming pools, will not be available.
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Some public transport options would also be available, including the Metro, which would resume operations from April 26.
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The Metro would operate from 7am till 11pm.
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If you are hailing a taxi, remember that only two passengers are allowed.
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Water transport, tram, limousine, and car sharing services will continue to be suspended.
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Offices could also reopen, within the set guidelines.
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Offices should be staffed at a maximum of 30 per cent.
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Remote working would continue to be the dominant mode of working.
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Even at work, you would need to wear a face mask.
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If there is a meeting at the workplace, it should not have more than five people.
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During Ramadan, if you wish to donate food, make sure you are doing it through licensed charity organisations.
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Avoid sharing food. However, if you do send or receive food, it should be in sealed containers.
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Mosques will continue to remain closed and group prayers are not allowed either.
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If you do have a group prayer at home, it should be with individuals that live in the same household.
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Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water regularly and use a hand sanitiser when necessary.
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People who are in the vulnerable category should avoid leaving their homes.
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Domestic workers, too, need to be educated about the preventive measures.
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Some sectors are exempted from the restrictions (10pm till 6am).
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These include those working in shopping malls, retail shops, open souqs, pharmacies, financial services, restaurants and cafes ...
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... food services, delivery services, social welfare services, maintenance and repair services, laundry services, nail and hair salons ...
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... healthcare services, food supply outlets, industrial supply chain for services and basic commodities ...
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industrial sectors, water and electricity sector, petrol and gas stations and district cooling services ...
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... telecommunications, media, airports, airlines, ports, shipping, customs duty and border crossings, public and private security services
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... municipality services, public transport ...
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... construction sector, hotels and offices.
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