DUBAI: Dubai is reviewing the current lockdown rules including the reopening of shopping malls.
The news comes after Abu Dhabi announced it too was considering easing the lockdown of shopping malls amid the coronavirus pandemic, a Dubai Media Office representative said.
The Dubai Economy Department issued a circular advising shopping malls to be ready for a gradual re-opening. It also said people visiting the malls must wear face masks at all times and carry with them hand sanitizers.
The Dubai Economy has also ordered malls to conduct 24 hour sanitization each day, and undergo a screening process that examines the health of all mall visitors. The malls must also have a mandatory quarantine site to isolate potential coronavirus cases.
The department has also said shoppers will only be allowed three hours in Dubai's malls, and must wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
Children aged three to 12-years-old, and elderly people over 60, will not be permitted, Dubai Economy added.
Entertainment and cultural destinations will also remain closed to prevent the further spread of the virus.
The Dubai Economy Department has also placed guidelines on social and cultural values in the emirate. It said that family visits and one outdoor activity can be done as per the rules set by the government, while the protocol for leaving homes only for necessary cases remains effective.
Residents have also been advised by the department to never touch surfaces or their faces while they are outside.
"Elderly and high-risk individuals with chronic diseases are encouraged to stay home and avoid public places,” the document said.
It also said that gatherings for prayers are not allowed, while group prayers among people living in one household is acceptable, it added.
The government has also said that people using public or private transport should wear a mask when leaving their homes and use hand sanitizers frequently.
The department also said that during Ramadan, gatherings of no more than 10 people will be allowed.
It also advised people not to share their food with families staying in different homes.
The rules also cover domestic workers, who should neither meet with people outside their households, nor accept food from an unknown origin, the department said.
"It is advisable to reduce household movement to the minimum and arrange for them to stay in the family home instead of their accommodation in case of taking care of elderly and infants," the document said.
Mall car parks will remain 75 per cent closed, and valet parking will be prohibited, it added.
The Dubai Economy said it ordered all entry points to malls to be open to avoid crowds.
Shop staff must sanitize all items used by customers, including jewelry. And any products that may get damaged after sanitization, should be quarantined, the department said.
Shopping malls in the country were closed in March as part of the UAE’s efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus.
