As the UAE administration works on gradual resumption of the economic activities in the country, Abu Dhabi has announced a phased-reopening of a few parks and public beaches from July 3. In a bid to ensure public safety and social distancing, parks and beaches will operate at a 40 percent capacity and will strictly follow all generic precautionary and preventive measures and protocols provided by the administration.

The decision has been taken by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), in coordination with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

As per reports, the first phase of re-opening will cover the Umm Al Emarat Park, Khalifa Park-Abu Dhabi, Salimi Park in Al Ain, and Madinat Zayed Public Park in Al Dhafrah. Furthermore, the Corniche Public Beach, Al Hudayriat Beach, and Al AlMirfa Beach in Al Dhafrah are also included in the first phase.

Meanwhile, the administration will announce the re-opening of remaining parks and beaches in the next phase at a later stage through various media outlets, including social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

A number of carefully devised restrictions have been announced by the two authorities which will be followed by all visitors across the reopened public places. The regulations include a prior booking to the public space via the smart services platform (Smart Hub); presenting the COVID-19 testing result via Alhosn App at the entry gates; and taking body temperature upon arrival. People's body temperature will be checked with thermal cameras upon entry and those with over 37.5 C shall be denied access to the parks and beaches. Wearing face masks at all times is compulsory along with physical distance of two metres between individuals and groups. At the same time, no more than four people are allowed in a group.

While visitors' capacity at these public sites has been set at 40 per cent by the DMP, car park capacity has been reduced to 50 per cent. Social distancing protocols have to be ensured around sunbath seats also as they have to be kept at distances from each other.

Additionally, F&B outlets are allowed to operate at a reduced capacity of 30 per cent, with a maximum of four people allowed per table. The tables also must be kept at a minimum distance of 2.5m apart. Food and drink must be served in disposable cutlery by the outlets and use of hand sanitiser dispensers is compulsory. It is important to ensure that all rented equipment, seats, and dining tables are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised after each use.

Along with the visitors, all working staff are also required to wear masks and gloves all the time during working hours. Regular body temperature checks must be ensured and safety distance of 2 metres must be followed to maintain public safety.

WAM