Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Sohaila Ahmed, Staff Reporter

Workers at accommodations across the UAE are being screened twice a day as part of the precautionary measures taken by the UAE to contain the spread of COVID-19, according to a ministerial resolution issued on March 29.

“The resolution number 281 issued by the ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization in Abu Dhabi stated that screening points at entrances of labour accommodations must be provided,” said Emirati lawyer Awatif Mohammed Khouri of Al Rowaad Advocates.

“This move is to check temperature and other symptoms of the virus twice a day; in the morning before workers leave, and once again upon their return to the accommodation,” Khouri noted.

Additionally, the Emirati lawyer Awatif pointed out that as per the decision, transporting workers from and to labour accommodations will also be subject to precautionary measures.

She also explained that the number of workers in a vehicle is not to exceed 25 percent of the vehicle’s seating capacity to ensure a safe distance between them.

Mealtimes will also see less workers in canteens, with a minimum of two metres separating each one from the other, the decision stated.

“Workers showing coronavirus symptoms are to be reported at once to health authorities, failing to do that, will earn violators legal action against them,” said Khouri.

The resolution which also provides guidelines for remote-working, gave priory in working remotely to pregnant women, mothers of children in grade 9 and below, workers aged 55 years and above, people of determination, and workers suffering from respiratory or chronic diseases.

Private establishments as per the decision, shall minimise number of workers to the minimum limit necessary for their businesses to process with the number of workers who must be physically present, not to exceed 30 percent of the total number of workers.

Number of customers visiting service centres is also to be minimised to 30 percent of the seating capacity of the place with measures including safe distance to be applied while providing the service.