Abu Dhabi issues guidelines for reopening swimming pools in hotels

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi issued circular detailing precautionary measures that must be taken to reopen swimming pools in hotels in Abu Dhabi, including ensuring that employees are virus-free through testing, and ensuring that swimming pools don’t exceed a maximum capacity of 50 per cent.

The Abu Dhabi Municiaplity also announced reopening of public parks and beaches in emirate following an extensive period of disinfection programme. It is part of the second stage of reopening public amenities, all of which will be unveiled with the latest updates via Municiaplity’s official media platforms, including its social media channels.

The announcement coincides with the Municiaplity’s first-of-its-kind campaign – The Hygienic City – with the slogan #itstartswithyou.

The campaign reminds every resident they have a vital role to play in preventing the virus from spreading and that wearing a face mask in public places, including parks and beaches is paramount. At entrances of each reopened public beach and park, thermal cameras will check people’s temperatures.

Rules will also be in place for groups, couples and individuals, including a maximum of four people allowed per group.

The parks reopening in Abu Dhabi are: Delma Park, Rabdan Park and Sharea Park, Wathba Park, Shahama Park 1 and Kathem Park. In Al Ain, Green Mubazzarah Park will reopen, and in Al Dhafrah, Al Mirfa Park and Zayed Al Khair Park will also reopen.

Food and beverage outlets will operate at 30 per cent seating capacity, with a maximum of four people per table and a minimum of 2.5m between tables.

Play areas will be closed and parking will be at 50 per cent capacity.

Al Bateen Beach will also reopen in Abu Dhabi, as part of stage 2.

Masks are required outside zones, and no showers will be available at beaches.

All beachgoers must wear masks and gloves. Areas shall be marked out on the ground to ensure social distancing is maintained. Individual loungers will be spaced in rows at a minimum of 2.5m intervals and couples’ loungers will be placed in pairs with a minimum of 1 metre between at a minimum of 2.5 metres intervals.