Yesterday, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced that The National Sterilisation Programme will be extended to 24 hours a day across all areas and communities in the emirate for a period of two weeks subject to renewal.
This means that Dubai dwellers will not be allowed to leave the house, except for essential purposes or if they are working in vital sectors exempted from the restrictions. Here’s what you need to know:
“All people leaving home should wear a mask, gloves and ensure they keep a safe distance from others.”
Can I still shop for groceries?
Yes. Food retail outlets, such as Union cooperative stores and supermarkets, as well as pharmacies and food and medicine deliveries are allowed to operate as usual. However, when shopping for essential needs; only one family member is permitted to leave the house for this purpose. All people leaving home should wear a mask, gloves and ensure they keep a safe distance from others.
Is there anyone exempt from this lockdown?
Yes. Those working in vital sectors are exempt from these 24-hour restrictions. These have been outlined as:
Healthcare services (hospitals, clinics and pharmacies)
Food supply outlets (Union Cooperative outlets, supermarkets, groceries)
Delivery services (food and medicine)
Restaurants (home deliveries only)
Manufacturers of medicines and providers of healthcare and medical supplies
Industrial sector (vital industries only)
Water and electricity sector, petrol and gas stations and district cooling services
Telecommunications sector
Media sector
Airports, airlines, ports, shipping
Customs duty and border crossings
Public and private security services
Municipality services and public and private sector providers involved in rubbish collection, sewage management and general cleaning and sanitation
Private and government sector organisations involved in combating COVID-19
Public transport (busses and taxis only)
Construction sector subject to obtaining a permit from Dubai Municipality and the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs
I work in a vital sector. What do I need to know?
Employees working in vital sectors are exempt from restrictions and permitted to leave their house at any time of the day to commute to work. A proof of identification and work ID must be with you. Employees are permitted to work between 8am and 2pm if they are working in banking and financial services including exchange centres. Social welfare services. Laundry services (for permitted outlets) & Maintenance services.
The metro’s been suspended and I don’t drive. How will I get to work?
Public transport allowed are buses and taxis only.
Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has made it clear that anyone violating the restrictions will face stringent legal action so please stay home.
Photo: ZQ Lee for Unsplash
