Dubai: In a series of decisions issued by Dubai authorities, COVID-19 related precautions and regulations were updated in line with the efforts to ensure the highest safety measures are adhered to. From reducing the maximum number of people allowed in specific social settings, to issuing guidelines for medical institutions and fitness centres, here is all you need to know about the latest COVID-19 rules in the emirate.
Eating out
Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced a decision to increase the distance between tables at restaurants and cafes from two metres to three metres.
Maximum number of people allowed
The number of people allowed to sit at one table has also been reduced from 10 to seven at restaurants and to four at cafés, including shisha cafés.
Weddings, social gatherings
The committee said that a maximum of 10 people would be allowed to gather for social events including weddings and private parties. Attendees must be limited to first-degree relatives. The mandate applies for gatherings at a hotel or at a home.
The rule goes into effect on January 27.
New rules for gyms
All these decisions were announced by the Dubai Media Office on January 22.
Elective therapeutic surgeries put on hold
On January 21, the Dubai Media Office announced that all Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licensed hospitals and day surgical centres would put elective surgeries on hold until February 19.
“This decision is aimed at ensuring that the most critical health issues are prioritised. This decision applies only to elective therapeutic surgeries that required deep sedation or general anesthesia. Elective surgeries that are medical emergencies will be permitted. The list of elective surgeries includes but is not limited to neurosurgical procedures, fractures and corrective orthopaedic procedures, cardiological and radiological interventions, stone and urological stent removals and other urgent procedures in general surgery, ophthalmology, paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology and other specialties,” the statement said.
Entertainment permits put on hold
On January 21, the Dubai Media announced that Dubai Tourism had issued more than 200 violations of non-compliance with guidelines and closed down around 20 establishments in the past three weeks.
“To ensure public health and safety, all entertainment permits issued will be on hold effective immediately. Dubai Tourism will continue to evaluate the progress with the health authorities” the statement said.
As reported by Gulf News earlier, in an exclusive interview with a top Dubai Tourism official, entertainment activities by performers, live bands and DJs at restaurants and beach clubs have been put on hold after the authorities uncovered several violations by some establishments.
