Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announces partial easing of restrictions on movement in Dubai
In line with the decisions of the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management headed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced a partial reduction in the restrictions on movement in the emirate starting from Friday 24 April. The move, which coincides with the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan, allows increased freedom of movement, while ensuring the continuation of strict precautionary and preventive measures. The Committee has also outlined a new set of guidelines on movement and a list of exempted commercial activities and vital sectors.
The decision to reduce restrictions on movement in Dubai follows a careful assessment of the current situation and analysis of reports from various authorities working to combat the pandemic, the Committee said. Underlining the emirate’s success in countering the spread of the virus, it said that stringent measures undertaken over the last three weeks have significantly helped to mitigate the crisis.
The Committee thanked members of the community for their full commitment to the preventive and precautionary measures. It added that the community’s compliance with restrictions on movement reflects its strong spirit of shared responsibility highlighted by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s recent remark: ‘Today we are all responsible’.
It further stressed that despite the partial easing of restrictions on movement, the public is not allowed to hold public or private gatherings. Those who breach the guidelines will face legal action. The need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community cannot be underestimated, the Committee stressed.
The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management expressed its appreciation for the efforts undertaken by all entities represented in the Committee as well as the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) at the federal level and the noble efforts of frontline workers.
"Despite the difficult circumstances the world is facing today, the UAE has set an example for dealing with the crisis. The guidance and follow up of the leadership, the combined efforts of all stakeholders and the close integration of various measures and initiatives helped the country deal effectively with the crisis. This was also made possible through the commitment of all individuals and institutions both in the private and public sector. All measures undertaken by the country have been driven by the objective of safeguarding everyone’s safety and wellbeing,” the Committee said in a statement.
Public transport (bus & metro), restaurants & cafes (except for buffet and shisha), retail sector (malls, high-street outlets and souqs), wholesale sector and maintenance shops will be allowed to operate under certain conditions. Family entertainment facilities, cinemas, changing rooms and prayer rooms will not be allowed to operate. Hotels will be allowed to operate without opening pools, gyms, sauna and massage parlours. A maximum of 30% of the workforce of all organisations will be allowed to work from their offices while the rest will be required to work from home.
Reduced Restrictions on Movement for the General Public
As part of the first phase of easing of restrictions, the stringent curbs on public movement will now be limited to the period between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am. During this period, the public will be allowed to leave their homes only for medical emergencies.
Individuals will be able to leave their homes between 6.00 am and 10.00 pm without a permit. The public will be required to strictly follow precautionary measures which include maintaining physical distance from others as per guidelines and wearing a face mask. Those who do not wear a mask will be subject to a fine of AED1,000.
Exercising outside the home: Members of the public are allowed to exercise outside their homes provided they do not leave their area of residence. They can undertake activities such as walking, running or cycling for 1-2 hours each time. Only a maximum of three persons can exercise at the same time. Individuals must follow preventive measures including ensuring two-metre distance from other individuals and wearing face masks.
