Shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas can operate at 80 per cent capacity in UAE

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority announced an update to the precautionary measures and the increased capacity of various facilities in the country.

This was done in line with the UAE's strategy in creating a balance between health and various sectors and in support of national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and the return to a new normal life gradually.

The authority said it has raised the capacity to 80% in each of the commercial shopping centres, restaurants and cafes, and allow 10 people to sit at one table with the obligation to wear a mask when moving around.

 Picture uses for illustrative purpose only

The authorities raised the capacity to its maximum in hotel facilities with a commitment to precautionary and preventive measures such as physical distancing. 

The authorities raised the capacity of cinemas, entertainment venues, exhibitions and museums to 80% and increased the capacity for all events by 60%, taking into account the application of physical distancing, wearing a mask and periodic sterilisation.

The procedures were as follows:

— Increasing the capacity to 80 per cent in all commercial shopping centers, restaurants and cafes

— Allowing 10 people to sit at one table with the obligation to wear a mask when moving around

— Raising the maximum capacity in hotel facilities, while adhering to precautionary and preventive measures such as physical distancing and wearing a mask.

— Increasing the capacity to 60 per cent for wedding halls and events, provided that the number of attendees does not exceed 300 people.

— Raising the capacity in public transport so that the safe distance is determined by the competent local authorities, provided that it does not exceed 75 per cent, with the obligation to wear a mask at all time.

The authority advises using the safe green traffic system for some events to limit the spread of the virus.

The authority confirmed that attendance at all events, exhibitions, activities, and cultural, social and artistic events is limited to those who received two doses of vaccine and those participating in clinical trials of vaccines, provided that no more than 6 months have passed since the second dose and 3 months for the most vulnerable groups of the elderly and those with chronic diseases. 

Attendees are advised to present a negative PCR test result within 48 hours before the occasion and that the letter (E) must be shown on AlHosn App.

The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority indicated that the emergency, crisis and disaster management committees and teams in each emirate will be responsible for determining the capacity in the emirate and easing and tightening procedures according to what it deems appropriate.

The National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management calls upon members of society to cooperate and adhere to preventive measures to confront the Covid-19 by committing to wearing masks, staying away from crowded places and permanent sterilisation. 

It is necessary to strengthen the concept of safe openness, which requires us to adhere to preventive measures during the coming period.