Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has announced that the COVID-19 precautionary measures, introduced in the first week of February, will be extended until Ramadan in mid-April. The announcement has come in line with the directives issued by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Dubai authorities decided to extend the timeline for precautionary measures based on an evaluation of the evolving COVID-19 situation. Data of the evaluation have shown that intensified safety measures and the recommendations of frontline authorities have proven effective in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In its announcement, the Supreme Committee maintained that the country's response to the pandemic is part of an integrated plan to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 virus.

The Supreme Committee further lauded the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention for successfully coordinating counter-pandemic measures. The Committee added that it will continue to monitor local and international developments in the spread of COVID-19 to ensure an optimal response to the pandemic.

The Committee also hailed the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive in Dubai and the UAE. Reportedly, more than 5.8 million vaccine doses and over 30 million tests have been administered in the UAE, as of February 25. Significantly, the UAE has one of the highest vaccination and testing rates in the world. These figures reflect the strength and preparedness of the UAE’s healthcare system in tackling the pandemic, the Committee added.

COVID-19 precautionary measures that have been extended until the start of Ramadan include:

·    Indoor venues, including cinemas and entertainment and sports venues, will continue to function at a maximum capacity of 50% and management will strictly follow precautionary measures.

·    A limited capacity of 70% of visitors will be allowed in shopping malls. At the same time, guests in hotel establishments and inside swimming pools and private beaches in hotels will be limited to 70% capacity.

·    Eateries like restaurants and cafes will be shut down by 1.00 am. Pubs and bars will remain closed until further notice.

·    Local authorities will carry out intensified monitoring and inspection 

campaigns to ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 precautions such as wearing face masks and physical distancing.

The Committee has also urged the public to continue adherence with precautionary measures, noting that their commitment to the protocols is crucial to combat the pandemic.

"Observing preventive protocols and safety guidelines remain the most effective ways of combating the virus," the Committee added.

The Committee has also called on all members of the community to report any violations to the COVID-19 precautionary measures by any individual or establishment. They can report any violation through Dubai Police’s Call Centre 901 or its ‘Police Eye’ service in the Dubai Police Smart App.

WAM