Dubai relaxes Covid-19 physical distancing restrictions – reports

Dubai has relaxed its physical distancing restrictions at a number of facilities, reducing the mandatory spacing between individuals from two metres to one.

What’s On has reported that as per a circular issued by Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTM), the one-metre physical distancing rule will now be applicable at restaurants and cafes, shopping centres, gyms, beaches, public and entertainment parks, offices and workplaces.

A circular issued by Dubai Sports Council also stated that the spectators capacity allowed for sports events has increased to 80 per cent of the entire venue capacity. Sports events organisers were reminded to ensure that participants wear a mask at all times, ‘unless engaged with a sports activity’.

Abu Dhabi meanwhile last week revised its entry requirements for business, entertainment and sports events and exhibitions in the emirate. Attendees must have a green status on their Alhosn app and also hold a negative PCR test result not older than 96 hours. Attendees must also commit to wearing face masks.

Read: Covid-19: Abu Dhabi revises entry requirements for events and exhibitions

The number of Covid-19 cases has been decreasing over the last few weeks. On Thursday, the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention reported 73 new Covid-19 cases in the preceding 24 hours. The nationwide Covid-19 case count has now risen to 740,209. The health ministry also reported 112 recoveries in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of recoveries to 734,562. Also over the previous 24 hours, 29,589 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered.

The total number of doses provided as of Thursday stands at 21,273,932 with a vaccine distribution rate of 215.10 doses per 100 people.