Children under 12 and people over 60 will not be allowed into malls and supermarkets
A woman wearing a protective face mask and gloves uses her mobile at Mall of the Emirates. Reuters
The UAE has confirmed that children under the age of 12 and people over 60 will not be allowed into shopping centres and supermarkets in order to stem the spread of coronavirus in the UAE.
The UAE Government Communication Office said on Twitter, “Shopping centres, cooperative societies, supermarkets, all retail stores outside shopping centres will prohibit the entry of children under the age of 12 and people over 60, in order to preserve their safety and health. These preventive and precautionary requirements must be followed for reopening commercial centres in the country.”
Inspection teams will regularly assess labour accommodations and ensure buildings meet the health and safety requirements.
Authorities are also supervising large-scale sterilisation operations at labour camps.
Furthermore, workers are being provided with health guidelines in multiple languages to ensure they clearly understood. The health guidelines aim to educate labour camp residents about the virus, its transmission and essential precautions for protecting themselves and the community. Awareness of precautionary guidelines and essential hygiene practices such as washing of hands, wearing face masks and social distancing are critical in combating the virus.
The campaign conducted in various labour camps has played a significant role in reducing the spread of the virus. The intensified measures enable speedy detection and isolation of cases to protect workers from COVID-19. The campaign comes at a time when increased scientific research is being conducted to understand the virus’s impact on individuals and find effective treatments.
Authorities have provided their best medical personnel to implement the campaign in collaboration with the private sector. They have also provided all equipment necessary to conduct widespread tests. Precautionary measures are being implemented according to global best practices.
