As the situation surrounding coronavirus continues to develop and change daily, the rules and regulations are changing just as frequently.

Curfews from 8pm to 6am were initially put in place for the national sterilisation programme to take effect, but now that has been extended to a 24-hour lockdown. Similarly, movement permits were originally needed to leave home during the curfew hours, then they were scrapped, but now they’ve been implemented again and are needed for anyone to leave the house during the 24-hour lockdown.

So, the EW team have decided to break down some of the key things you can and can’t do during this period of lockdown.

How long does the lockdown last for?

As part of further measures to combat the spreading of coronavirus, the national sterilisation programme in the UAE running for 24 hours a day in Dubai for the next two weeks, per orders from the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management that came over the weekend.

Can I actually leave the house? If so, when and where?

All residents in Dubai are to stay home throughout the 24-hour lockdown. Per instructions from the Dubai Media Office, you can only leave the house for:

  • Essential needs e.g. for buying groceries, medicine.
  • For medical appointments.
  • For COVID-19 tests.
  • If you work in a vital or support sector.

Those who violate the lockdown regulations could face hefty fines.

“A fine of Dhs3,000 will be issued against individuals violating the curfew set out during the National Sterilisation Programme,” Engineer Major General Kamel Butti Al Suwaidi said via the official Dubai Police’s Twitter page. “The fine excludes individuals who seek to obtain essential supplies, such as food and medicine, and individuals working within previously announced sectors.”

Movement permits are also required if you want to leave the house. They can be applied for here.

Who needs a movement permit and who doesn’t?

All members of the general public must have a movement permit. However, according to the Dubai Media Office, those working in “exempt sectors” don’t need a movement permit, instead a letter from employers must be obtained in order to outline movements to and from work.

“The paper has to be presented if stopped by authorities,” the Dubai Media Office said. “It can also be used to waive violations by radar.”

Is it okay to leave the house to walk my dog?

No, you cannot. Some Dubai residents were claiming they had been approved for a permit to go out with their dogs, but that was reportedly made in error.

Exercise is also not a legitimate reason to leave the house. Permits for dog walking and exercise are not allowed.

What are the rules surrounding wearing a mask and gloves when I’m out?

If you are leaving the house masks and gloves should be worn, and members of the public must ensure a safe distance is kept from others – specifically two metres.

What if I just want to walk to the shops?

You still need to apply for a permit to walk to the shops.

Can I leave the house with someone else?

No. Only one person is allowed to leave the house to retrieve essential items.

What is the current situation with public transport?

Both the metro and the Dubai tram will be closed for the entire duration of the 24-hour sterilisation programme. Because of this the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced public bus services will be free, and taxis in Dubai will be offering 50 per cent discounted rates.

For those using the bus, the RTA announced via their Twitter page that services are free, but Nol cards will be charged. “The discounted balance will be added for the trips that were made during the free trip period after 7 days,” they said.

For more information on the current situation with public transport visit the RTA website.

Be sure to visit all relevant official authorities’ channels in order to be up-to-date with the most recent information. 

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Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram