Look: This is everything UAE is doing to combat COVID-19

These restrictions, active as of April 7, are in place to battle the spread of coronavirus

Last updated:
Dona Cherian (Assistant Online Editor)
2 MIN READ
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The UAE has been taking steps to curb the spread of COVID-19 among residents. The most recent update is a 24-hour movement restriction in Dubai as the country-wide sterilisation drive continues. [A picture shows the empty Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai, on March 27, 2020]
AFP
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Shops: UAE initially announced the closure of non-essential commercial establishments such as malls on March 25 for two weeks. On April 7, Dubai extended this closure till April 18. [A man, wearing a protective face mask, stands inside a dry cleaner in Dubai on March 31, 2020]
AFP
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Groceries, pharmacies, petrol stations and supermarkets are allowed to stay open for 24 hours while restaurants and bakeries can stay open for delivery orders.
Bloomberg
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Abu Dhabi has also asked supermarkets and pharmacies to stay open till midnight while not exceeding 30 per cent of customer capacity.
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People: All residents who wish to leave their homes for essential purposes such as grocery shopping and medicine purchase should get a move permit. Authorities have also recommended that residents who step out for whatever essential reason or work wear masks and gloves, and also maintain social distance where applicable.
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Work: Remote working has been introduced in private and public sectors across the country. Vital sectors including health care, media, aviation etc. are exempt from the movement restriction provided employees carry a letter proving that they have to work.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
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School: All UAE schools have adopted e-learning and online exams. E-learning has been extended until the end of this academic year in June.
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Metro: Dubai Metro has stopped functioning to help contain the virus spread. Buses and taxis are available. [Members of a medical team wearing protective suits spray disinfectants on the metro in Dubai on March 27, 2020]
Dubai Media Office handout via REUTERS
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Public bus services will be free of charge for individuals permitted to leave their homes (those who work in exempt vital sectors). [Workers use a bus in Dubai with signs plastered inside to help passengers implement the rules of social distancing, amid strict measures imposed by the authorities in a bid to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus]
AFP
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Taxis: Dubai Taxi vehicles and franchised taxis will offer a 50 per cent discount on normal fares. Dubai Taxis have installed isolators to separate drivers and passengers for safety of all concerned in addition to other sanitisation methods.
Dubai Media Office/Twitter
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Radars: Dubai has started using radars to detect movement during the 24-hour restrictions in place. Move permits and employer letters can be used to remove violations detected during this sterilisation period.
Shreya Bhatia/Gulf News
12/16
Al Ras restrictions: Al Ras area is under complete restrictions with residents in the area prohibited from movement and exit - this is effective for two weeks starting March 31.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
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In this image taken through a tinted car window, a technician takes a nasal swab for a new coronavirus detection test at a drive-thru testing facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 2. Drive-thru test centres: Multiple drive-thru test centres are opening across the country. Residents can apply for tests provided they fit the criteria required by authorities.
AP
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Construction workers stand on a scaffold as they work during a two-week restriction imposed in Dubai on April 7, 2020. People who work on construction projects in Dubai are exempted from the 24-hour sterilisation programme, a Dubai Police official said on Monday.
AFP
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Flights: All passenger flights in and out of the UAE were suspended. However, limited number of outbound passenger flights started on April 5 for residents, visitors who wish to leave the UAE.
AFP
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AFP

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