The UAE Government has increased the hours for the National Sterilisation Programme.
From Wednesday May 20 onwards, and until further notice, the programme will run between 8pm and 6am. Currently, the programme takes place between 10pm and 6am.
The official spokesperson for The National Emergency Crisis & Disaster Management Authority stated that the decision has been made due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases across the country.
UAE residents will now need to stay home between the hours of 8pm and 6am, unless faced with an emergency that requires them to leave their residence.
Also beginning on Wednesday May 20, malls across the country will be able to operate between 9am and 7pm and strict precautionary measures will still enforced including a reduced capacity, and entry not permitted for kids aged under 12 and adults aged over 60.
On Thursday March 26, the UAE launched the National Disinfection Programme – a complete sterilisation of all public utilities and public transport. The programme entailed residents staying at home between the hours of 8pm and 6am and only leaving their homes for essentials.
On Sunday April 5 the programme was extended and movement in the city was curbed to 24-hours a day to protect the health and safety of those residing in the country, with only essential services available, with permits required for leaving the house.
On Friday April 24, ahead of Ramadan 2020, the restrictions eased up allowing Dubai residents to leave the house for essential items like food and medicine without a permit between the hours of 6am and 10pm.
For your up-to-the-minute guide to what’s happening in Dubai, head here. For Abu Dhabi click here, for Sharjah click here.
