To contain coronavirus spreading

It has been announced all shopping malls and commercial centres in the UAE will close for the next two weeks.

Additionally, all fish, meat and vegetable markets will close for the next two weeks.

The temporary closures will come into effect in 48 hours, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority. The decision will also be reviewed and reassessed.

Pharmacies are excluded as well as food retail outlets which include grocery stores, cooperative societies and supermarkets. This also includes fish, meat and vegetable markets that deal with wholesalers.

However, restaurants are now no longer allowed to receive customers, and services are limited to home deliveries.

Under the decision, restaurants will not be allowed to receive customers. Instead, their services will be limited to home deliveries only.

The UAE government has also advised for everyone to stay home and not leave unless it’s of absolute necessity. Members of the public should stay home unless they have to get essential supplies like food and medicine, or to perform essential jobs.

On Saturday, Dubai launched an official appeal calling on everyone to avoid leaving their homes.

In a video released via the Dubai Media Office Instagram, a poignant message to members of the public was sent.

In 20 different languages, those who live in Dubai are told to “stay home”.

Shutdowns in the UAE

So far in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE, all public and private beaches have been closed, tourist attractions have been shutdown and public prayers have been suspended.

Last Monday, the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority and General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments stated all prayers at mosques, churches and temples will temporarily be cancelled for the next four weeks in a bid to contain the spreading of coronavirus, and to safeguard public health of UAE citizens and residents.

All Dubai pubs, bars and lounges have also been closed until the end of March amidst the global coronavirus outbreak.

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“In line with Dubai Government precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of its residents and visitors; Dubai Tourism notifies all bars, pubs and lounges (including bars within restaurants) to close with immediate effect from today (Monday 16 march 2020) till the end of March,” a statement from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said.

It was stated that Dubai Tourism would continue to evaluate “the situation in coordination with the health authorities”.

More information on coronavirus:

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Feature Image: @latifalshamsi