Sharjah tightens anti-virus steps, limits attendance at malls, gyms; PCR test must for public, private sector staff

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management team in Sharjah on Tuesday has announced new measures to help address the COVID-19 pandemic.

New restrictions are aimed to strengthen preventive measures to contain infection and limit the spread of the virus.

According to the latest guidelines the  public transport is restricted to 50% capacity. Commercial centers are allowed to receive only  60% of customers.

Cinemas and entertainment events inside closed halls are also told to restrict attendance to only 50%. Gyms beaches to have 50% of crowds and parks can only take in 70% visitors.

Swimming pools and private beaches in hotel facilities should also cut down attendance to only 50%.

Sharjah also postponed concerts and music for a period of 4 weeks, which can be extended according to developments in the situation.

In restaurants and cafes no more than 4 people are allowed to sit at a table, with the exception of members of the same family.

With regard to the employees of governmental and semi-governmental institutions in the emirate, those who come to the workplace must perform a weekly nasal swab test (PCR), while service providers in the private sector must perform a nasal swab test (PCR) every two weeks.

Those vaccinated within the national vaccination programme and volunteers in clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines are exempted from taking PCR tests.

Attendance at marriage ceremonies and family events should not exceed 10 people, and 20 people when performing funerals.
 
There should be no more than 2 grave diggers at the funeral.

The local emergency and crisis team recommended intensifying inspection and monitoring campaigns in all sectors to ensure compliance with the strict application of the national protocols for prevention and precautionary measures, foremost of which is commitment to spatial distancing and wearing masks, and transferring violators to the Public Prosecutor according to the approved laws.