Capacity for malls cinemas increased to 80% in Abu Dhabi

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated occupancy rates and operating capacity for some activities in the emirate. The decision comes into effect from Friday, 20 August 2021, with the implementation of the decision to allow only those vaccinated to enter public places.

In line with the emirate’s efforts to manage the pandemic, the updates are part of the committee’s strategy to ensure an appropriate response that protects the community, creating the right balance for health and safety while supporting economic growth.

COMPREHENSIVE EFFORTS: A key pillar of the Committee’s response strategy includes providing vaccines to all members of the community. Believing that vaccination is the fastest route for full recovery, the committee has launched public vaccination campaigns, especially for people at greater risk of infection, providing free vaccines to everyone aged three and above. It also approved clinical studies related to vaccinating children to be conducted in the emirate in preparation for the new academic year.

The committee has also launched the National Sterilisation Programme as an additional and temporary precautionary measure to ensure public health and safety.

Abu Dhabi also offers Sotrovimab drug, which is prescribed to treat adults, pregnant women, children aged 12 and above, and high-risk patients with chronic diseases. Sotrovimab has proven effective for full recovery of early stage COVID-19 and is able to prevent symptoms from escalating or causing death.

Community awareness campaigns have also helped increase community compliance with precautionary measures and procedures and avoiding gatherings, and to continuously collaborate in preserving the health gains achieved.

SAFE PASS WITH INCREASED CAPACITY: The committee has reiterated that implementing the approved green pass system in Abu Dhabi emirate from 20 August will add another layer of protection. The committee has therefore approved increasing capacity in public places allowed for only those vaccinated. The capacity for shopping malls, entertainment centres, cultural centres, museums, and movie theatres, has increased to 80 per cent provided that all precautionary measures are followed.

Capacity in restaurants and cafes has increased to 80 per cent, allowing up to 10 people to sit at one table, provided that face masks are worn when not dining.

The committee has maintained the operating capacity of 50 per cent for health clubs, sports academies, gyms, and spas, stressing that residents and guests must adhere to wearing face masks and observe physical distancing.

BALANCING PUBLIC HEALTH AND EVENTS: To ensure a safe experience at all events, the committee has approved increasing capacity to 60 per cent for community and sport events, corporate events such as exhibitions and conferences, and entertainment events including theatre plays and concerts.

It has also approved increasing capacity at wedding halls to 60 per cent, with a maximum of 100 people in the hall.

Entry to public places hosting these events will use the green pass system and all attendees must show a negative PCR test result received within 48 hours of the event starting to be allowed to enter.

The committee encourages all community members to implement the green pass system at private events and family gatherings to preserve public health and curb the spread of the virus.

TRANSPORTATION: To support full recovery, the committee has approved increasing the operating capacity of public transportation to 75 per cent, and taxi capacity as well so that a taxi driver can travel with up to three passengers in a five-person taxi and four passengers in a seven-person taxi.

INDIVIDUAL AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee has reiterated that successfully combating COVID-19 requires that all individuals adhere to the precautionary measures and share the responsibility of protecting everyone in the community. The committee encourages everyone to choose to vaccinate or receive a booster shot for those eligible. It also calls on anyone with any symptoms to seek medical help and avoid attending any public places or events. The committee also advises seniors and people with chronic diseases to avoid attending any gatherings as much as possible to protect their health.