Stay home is the simple message
The UAE government is urging everyone not to leave their homes, unless it’s “absolutely necessary” to get essential supplies like food and medicine, or if you are person in an essential job.
Last night a joint statement was issued by the Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority telling all UAE citizens, residents, visitors and everyone living in the country to follow the guidelines that have been issued: limit social interactions and avoid going to crowded places.
“The public are also urged to use their own family cars with a maximum of three individuals per vehicle,” the statement continued.”They are also advised not to visit public places and maintain social distancing protocols during family gatherings as part of the precautionary measures taken to ensure public health and safety,” added the statement.
The public has also been told not to visit hospitals unless cases are emergent or critical. If visiting, the use of face masks is urged.
The two authorities also stated, “Additional instructions will be issued later involving the use of public transport, taxis and other means of transportation.”
Additionally, within the next 48 hours all inbound and outbound passenger flights will be suspended.
However, emergency evacuation flights will continue, as well as cargo services, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
“Additional examination and isolation arrangements will be taken later should flights resume, in order to ensure the safety of passengers, air crews and airport personnel and their protection from infection risks,” the authority’s statement said.
UAE malls closed for the next two weeks
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.
More information on coronavirus:
- Tips on how to prevent the spreading of coronavirus
- Coronavirus in the UAE: Food and supplies to stock up on
- Coronavirus in the UAE: What the visa suspension means for you
Feature image: Unsplash
