With new COVID-19 cases on the rise, overnight curfews could be making a comeback in some areas of the UAE.

A spokesperson for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) Saif Al Dhahri said: “The UAE might re-enforce the national sterilization program, which had included a night-time curfew. This would be possible in certain areas where we observe high infection cases”

According to health officials across the country, the number of coronavirus cases have been on a steady decline since July 9, but the recent surge has been a concern.

On August 18 Dr Omar Al Hammadi, the UAE government spokesperson, said the average number of cases had increased by 136.

“The UAE government has done a commendable job with more than six million tests, which is more than 50 per cent of the total population,” Dr Adel Al Sisi, the Chief Medical Officer, Consultant of ICU and Chair of Intensive Care at Prime Hospital, told Gulf News. “The higher the tests, the more are the possibilities of detecting asymptomatic cases in the community. That is why we see a surge. However, there is cause for alarm when we see a rise in number of cases.”

With businesses and venues steadily coming back to normal since the nationwide curfew was removed on June 24, Al Dhahri has attributed the rise in cases to those not following the guidelines in place, adding: “We are taking actions based on the UAE Attorney-General’s list of penalties for violations and we hope that such fines are enough to deter violators so that we are not forced to take tougher actions. However, we are ready for all scenarios.”

To date, the UAE has recorded 72,283 infections and 369 deaths.

– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram

Feature Image: Instagram