UAE shuts beaches, parks, pools, cinemas and gyms over coronavirus concerns

The United Arab Emirates is shutting beaches, parks, pools, cinemas and gyms from Sunday for two weeks over coronavirus concerns, the state news agency WAM said on Saturday.

The National Emergency and Crisis and Disaster Management Authority announce the temporary closure of all – subject to review and evaluation.

Restaurants, cafes and food and beverage outlets may operate for home delivery requests during this period provided they abide by the required sterilization and public health procedures.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention and NCEMA have urged all relevant federal, local, and private institutions to ensure compliance with these decisions as per the law, and to roll out all necessary guidelines to boost public awareness of the new measures.

Seating in restaurants and food and beverage outlets will be limited to 20 per cent capacity as per social distancing guidelines to keep at least 2 metres (6.5ft) between people, effective Sunday (March 22) for a renewable period of two weeks.

Also on Friday, Dubai launched an 11-day disinfection campaign to begin cleaning and sterilising the streets and roads of the emirate, as part of its precautionary measures against the virus.
Outdoor and self-order kiosks are exempted.