Dubai closes bars, limits activities after virus cases spike

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dubai announced on Monday it would close all bars and pubs for the entire month of February and limit other activities after a spike in coronavirus cases followed New Year's Eve celebrations that drew visitors from around the world.

Dubai also ordered restaurants and cafes to close by 1am, and instituted crowd limits on cinemas, hotels, malls and other destinations. They will also not be allowed to organise any entertainment activities in their premises.

Audience capacity of seated indoor venues, including cinemas as well as entertainment and sports venues, will be reduced to 50% of maximum capacity; enhanced precautionary measures will be stringently enforced, according to AP.

Dubai ordered restaurants and cafes to close by 1 a.m.

The number of guests allowed inside swimming pools and private beaches in hotels will be limited to 70% of total capacity.

"The measures seek to further enhance efforts to combat COVID-19, and protect the health and safety of all citizens, residents and visitors,” the statement said.

Dubai, known for its long-haul carrier Emirates, the world’s tallest building and its beaches and bars, in July became one of the first travel destinations to describe itself as open for business.

Shopping malls will operate at a reduced capacity of 70%.

Dubai on Sunday announced it established two dedicated centres to treat coronavirus patients.

The UAE pinned its hopes on mass vaccinations, with Abu Dhabi distributing a Chinese vaccine by Sinopharm and Dubai offering Pfizer-BioNTech’s inoculation. The UAE says it has given over 3.4 million doses so far, ranking it among the top countries in the world.

Intensified monitoring and inspection campaigns will be conducted to ensure strict compliance with precautionary measures and safety protocols including physical distancing and wearing of facemasks.