Coronavirus in UAE: Groceries, pharmacies can stay open for 24 hours a day

Abu Dhabi - However, the percentage of shoppers cannot exceed 30 per cent of the capacity.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday announced that food outlets, cooperative societies, groceries, supermarkets and pharmacies will be allowed to work for 24 hours a day.

However, these establishments will have to ensure that the percentage of shoppers does not exceed 30 per cent of the total capacity, while maintaining a safe distance of two metres between customers. This will prevent crowding and will be effective in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
"All bodies concerned have to abide by the preventive and precautionary measures taken by the State's competent bodies to ensure public safety and people's well-being," said the two authorities in their joint statement.

The announcement comes further to the statement issued previously by the two authorities on the closure of all commercial centres, shopping malls and open fish, vegetables and meat markets with the exception of food retail outlets, including cooperative societies, grocery stores, supermarkets and pharmacies for two weeks, with the decision to remain subject to further review and reassessment.

Earlier this week, the UAE announced that all commercial centres and shopping malls along with fish, meat and vegetables markets will be closed for a renewable period of two weeks.

The decision excludes pharmacies, and food retail outlets, including cooperative societies, grocery stores, and supermarkets, along with fish, meat and vegetables markets dealing with wholesalers.
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