#StayHome: UAE tells residents to avoid parks, restaurants, beaches to fight Covid-19

A new campaign urging residents to stay home has been launched in the UAE. This is among the several initiatives the country has launched to combat the spread of Covid-19.

On Saturday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the health sector in the country, stressed on the message during her briefing about the latest updates of the Covid-19 situation.

Also read: 13 new Covid-19 cases confirmed in UAE

She urged residents to avoid going to beaches and parks and stressed on the importance of social distancing. Maintain a distance of at least one metre from one another, she advised.

#???_??_????? #StayHome pic.twitter.com/strzFZ2TMy

- Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 21, 2020

When asked if malls and restaurants would be shut, she said it was "preferable" that people stay at home. She advised residents to step out only during emergencies. Responding to a question about suspending public transportation, Dr Hosani said it was advisable to avoid all forms of public transport unless absolutely necessary. People should also avoid dental appointments, she added.

The official said the UAE has set up a specialised medical committee to look into all the latest studies and scientific research about the new drugs being tested for the coronavirus.

Quarantine facility

The Dubai Humanitarian City is ready to be used as a quarantine facility, she said. The city is well equipped to be used as a quarantine facility if the need arises.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Media Office tweeted two videos with #StayHome. One video shows the message 'Stay Home' flashed in several languages, while the other features Emiratis and expats engaged in various activities even as they stay put at home. Each resident says in the video: "I am at home, where are you?"