As UAE eases COVID lockdown, starting 7 June, the UAE government will allow up to 50 percent attendance at all government offices. The relaxation is subject to compliance with all safety and hygienic steps to counter and contain COVID infection.

The latest announcement was made on 3 June. Earlier, the government had announced a return of 30 percent of government office employees in the last week of May.

The government has been reopening government offices, private offices, retail shops, malls, and other usual activities in a staggered manner. 

The announcement added a gradual increase in attendance in public offices is an effort to bring back normalcy in government functioning.

A gradual increase in attendance to government offices is subject to exemptions. Pregnant women, people with health conditions, and low immunity, such as those who have diabetes, asthma will be allowed to resume work subject to medical approval by doctors.

Elderly employees are allowed to work from home. Female employees who have young children, who might need constant care and support, are exempted from rejoining work.

Those who live in shared accommodation with people who are vulnerable to health risks are also exempted from rejoining work.

The announcement reinforces that offices must strictly follow instructions issued by health authorities. Offices must mandatorily follow distancing norms, regularly sanitize premises. Government offices have been instructed to ensure that adequate technical support is provided to those working from home or remotely.

Emphasis is also on flexible attendance to avoid overcrowding during entry and exit from offices.   

WAM