All your questions about Dubai's 24-hour Covid-19 sterilisation scheme answered

Dubai - National Sterilisation Programme in Dubai will be extended to 24 hours a day from Saturday.

The Dubai Media Office has released a detailed Q&A about the emirate's 24-hour sterilisation programme that was announced on Saturday. Here is everything you need to know about it:
Q. Can you summarise this new announcement?
The National Sterilisation Programme in Dubai will be extended to 24 hours a day across all areas and communities in the emirate for a period of two weeks subject to renewal. Individuals will not be allowed to leave the house, except for essential purposes or if they are working in vital sectors exempted from the restrictions.

Q. How will these restrictions affect food retail outlets and pharmacies?
Food retail outlets, such as Union cooperative stores and supermarkets, as well as pharmacies and food and medicine deliveries are allowed to operate as usual. However, when shopping for essential needs; only one family member is permitted to leave the house for this purpose.
Q. Why have the restrictions been intensified?
Intensified restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles are adopted to help protect the health and safety of the community. These restrictions help us in our efforts to combat COVID-19.

Q. Any other advice when going out?
All people leaving home should wear a mask, gloves and ensure they keep a safe distance from others.

Q. What will happen if individuals do not respect movement restrictions?
Anyone violating the restrictions will face stringent legal action. The compliance of all people is vital to the success of measures to combat the virus and ensure the highest levels of protection.

Q. If I'm working in one of the vital sectors which are exempted from the restrictions, can I go to work?
Employees working in vital sectors are exempted from restrictions and permitted to leave their house at any time of the day to commute to work. A proof of identification and work ID must be with you.

Q. What forms of public transportation are allowed during this period?
Public transport allowed are buses and taxis only. Dubai metro services have been suspended.

Q. Will you increase testing for COVID-19 in Dubai?
Extensive medical tests will be conducted across densely populated areas of Dubai to ensure members of the community are free from COVID-19 infection.

Q. You mentioned vital sectors and support sectors. What about employees working in support sectors?
Employees are permitted to work between 8.00 am and 2:00 pm if they are working in Banking and financial services including exchange centres. Social welfare services. Laundry services (for permitted outlets) & Maintenance services.

Q. I often use public buses or taxis to go to work at Dubai Health Authority. Are there any initiatives to ease our commute during this period?
Yes. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) today announced its public bus services will be free of charge during the extended two-week sterilisation period. Also, Dubai Taxi vehicles and franchised taxis will offer a 50 per cent discount on normal fares.

• Dubai