The Executive Council of Umm Al Qaiwain issued a decision to re-open commercial establishments in the emirate as per the amended timing of the National Disinfection Programme, taking into consideration the reports by departments in charge of combating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The decision allows the commercial establishments, which include shopping centres, retail areas and markets, to partially re-open at a 30 percent capacity to avoid penalty, with customers to maintain physical distancing norms, and avoid overcrowding.

All these establishments have to obligate their staff to wear facemasks, while wearing gloves is advisable, but not compulsory. They have also to ensure easy access to and sufficient provision of large amounts of sanitizers and hygiene kits in addition to closing all public seating areas and prayer spaces.

Under the decision, people over 60 years old will be denied entry, with these establishments to employ a maximum of 30 percent of their staff and enforce a physical distance of two metres from each other. Prevention guidelines should be prominently posted on the ground at checkout areas and all around the establishment.

Food and beverage outlets have to operate at 30 percent of capacity only. They are to serve a maximum group of four per table and tables should be spaced 2.5m apart, with the Shisha ban to persist.

The decision allows the opening of women and men salons to provide limited services, namely haircut, shaving and nail cutting as per a set of rules, including prior booking and banning of gatherings at any given time in addition to abiding by prevention guidelines and providing sanitizers and hygiene kits.

Under the decision, movie theatres, museums and heritage sites will remain closed and desert and entertainment camps will continue to be prohibited. The closure of massage centres, wedding halls, gardens, public beaches, kids' areas, sports lounges & fitness facilities and swimming pools will continue.

WAM