UAE announces change in disinfection timings

The UAE has announced that the daily National Disinfection Programme will begin two hours later, at 10pm, and run until 6am starting Saturday, May 30.

Currently, the programme is underway from 8pm until 6am.

In Dubai, the sterilisation programme will begin an hour later, from 11pm, as announced earlier this week.

Read: Dubai to resume business activities from May 27, cinemas, gyms to reopen

Food retail outlets, cooperative societies, groceries, supermarkets and pharmacies will be allowed to operate around the clock.

Camel racing tracks are also exempt, and can stay open from 10pm to 5am, official news agency WAM reported.

The decision to revise the timings was taken to allow citizens and residents “more time to meet their essential needs and follow up on emergencies”.

It is also aimed at “stimulating economic activity for gradual recovery, activating trade and ensuring the continuity of essential sectors”, a statement said.

However, authorities stressed that all outlets should adhere to safety and health measures.

The number of shoppers should not exceed 30 per cent of the total capacity of the store, and a safe social distance of two metres needs to be maintained.

Members of the public have been urged to fully comply with the regulations in place.

During the disinfection programme, people must stay at home unless absolutely necessary to go out to get essential food supplies and medicine or for work in vital sectors specified by authorities in previous statements.

Authorities also stressed that no public gatherings or family visits are allowed and urged the general public to wear face masks and gloves when leaving the home.

We built our country with patience, and we will protect it with confidence.
Let us return to our normal life and be responsible. #We_are_all_responisble#stayhome#coronavirus#covid19#mohapuae

— وزارة الصحة ووقاية المجتمع الإماراتية – MOHAP UAE (@mohapuae) May 29, 2020

The UAE’s Ministry of Health reported 638 new Covid-19 infections on Friday, taking the total case count to 33,170.

The new cases were identified after 36,000 tests were conducted across the country.

The ministry also reported two additional deaths to increase the death toll to 260.

Meanwhile 412 new recoveries were announced, taking the total number of recoveries to 17,097.