Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, headed by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced new precautionary measures today under directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The measures are framed to protect the community from Covid-19, and will be effective from 2 February 2021 until the end of the month.

During a meeting that was chaired by Sheikh Mansour, the Committee underlined that new measures have been designed after constantly evaluating the rapidly evolving pandemic situation. These measures would ensure implementation of all protocols in line with local, regional and international changes. The measures will combat Covid-19 pandemic and protect the health and ensure safety of all citizens, residents and visitors. Committee said that daily reports show increase in precautionary measures violations.

The Committee further stated that leadership’s priority remains health and wellbeing of the community, especially during pandemic. It further noted that complete cooperation by institutions and community members is important to effectively implement Dubai’s strategy to limit the spread of Covid-19.

The new precautionary measures revealed by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management include:

·       Audience capacity of seated indoor venues, including cinemas, entertainment and sports venues to be reduced to 50% of capacity.

·       Hotel establishments must operate at 70% of total capacity; new bookings should be in accordance to the new limit.

·       The permitted guests number inside swimming pools and private beaches in hotels - 70% of total capacity.

·       Shopping malls will operate at 70%.

·       Restaurants and cafés will close by 1.00 am. No entertainment activities allowed in their premises.

·       Pubs/bars will be closed. Increased monitoring and inspection campaigns will be done to ensure complete following of the precautionary measures and safety protocols, like physical distancing and wearing of face masks.

The Committee also urged community members to report any violations of precautionary measures by individuals as well as establishments through Dubai Police’s Call Centre 901 or its ‘Police Eye’ service in the Dubai Police Smart App.

The Committee said, “Enforcing preventive protocols and observing health and safety guidelines remains the most effective method to combating the virus. All individuals must ensure they abide by precautionary measures circulated in the media to protect themselves, their families and friends and the community as a whole.”

The Supreme Committee noted that anyone found of risking public health by not complying by the preventive measures will face penalties. Inspections will be conducted intensively to ensure complete following of precautionary measures to help overcome the pandemic and ensure safety and health of all community members. 

WAM