Authorities have issued a set of guidelines detailing protocols that need be followed at malls, retail spaces, and public transport.
Published: Thu 23 Apr 2020, 12:19 PM
Last updated: Fri 24 Apr 2020, 4:58 PM
Authorities in Dubai have issued a set of guidelines detailing protocols that need be followed at malls, retail spaces and public transport when they become operational again. A specific date for the reopening has not been announced yet.
Also Read:
Ramadan 2020: UAE examines prospects of mall reopening
Dubai Metro likely to reopen in a week, public transport guidelines issued
Abu Dhabi issues advisory for reopening of malls
Abu Dhabi to reopen bus services by 6am on Saturday
With the holy month of Ramadan, the authorities also issued guidelines pertaining to gatherings and other issues. Here is all you need to know.
Why has such a document been issued?
The guidelines have been announced in order to raise public awareness and ensure the readiness of retail outlets and public transport services once such an announcement is eventually made.
When exactly will malls reopen?
Guidelines issued on Wednesday did not specify when malls and retail spaces would reopen, but asked businesses to be on standby for official announcements that "will be announced shortly".
Will shoppers be screened for symptoms of coronavirus at mall entrances?
Retailers have been directed to conduct entrance health checks to ensure that anyone entering the mall undergoes the mandatory temperature screening and checks. There will also be a dedicated area on site to isolate potential positive cases. Entry will be denied to anyone who records high body temperatures.
Will I be allowed to try clothes or jewellery while shopping? How do I know the items are safe to try?
The guidelines issued protocols for customer trials of products, as part of ensuring consumer rights.
Due to the risk of transmission posed by the trialling of fashion accessories and apparel by shoppers, retailers are required to perform sanitisation procedures after every customer trial to ensure safety while maintaining consumer rights. No testing will be allowed for personal care products.
Shoppers will also be required to wear masks while trying items. Any jewellery items tried by customers must be sanitised properly or quarantined, in case sanitisation is not possible due to fear of damaging the product.
When will public transport services be operational again?
Metro services are aiming to be operational as early as next week. Public buses, on the other hand, will be operational in maximum 2-4 weeks, according to the document of guidelines issued.
Will all public transport services be restored to normal when they open?
No, services will resume operations in phases. In the opening stage, Red Line trains will operate for a 12-hour period, from 7am to 7pm, across all stations except for restricted areas. This will be followed by Green Line metros, which will follow the same protocols. Several restrictions will also apply to manage crowds and ensure safe social distancing practices.
The first phase of bus services will also aim at reopening all bus lines across the city for a period of 12 hours. Service times will be adjusted as needed, and backup buses will be provided to support stations with higher demand.
These guidelines will only apply to the reopening of metro, bus and taxi services. Water transport, car sharing, trams and limo services, will continue to remain suspended till further notice.
What is being done to prevent the spread of infection for those using public transport services?
During all phases, social distancing measures will continue to be enforced, and crowd management procedures at the entrances to the stations will apply. All employees and passengers will be required to wear masks.
Air-conditioned passenger waiting areas at bus stops will continue to remain closed to discourage crowding.
Other restrictions include restricting the use of elevators at metro stations to a maximum of one or two persons, and blocking escalators to reduce passenger flow to train platforms.
Information stickers will be placed on the floor and seats in both metros and buses, and all stations would have dedicated entry and exit doors.
All sterilisation practices and activities will also continue as before.
With the Holy Month of Ramadan starting, am I allowed to donate or share food items?
The guidelines state that no food should be donated or given directly to any person outside the household, except through mass donations under the direct supervision of government entities and authorised charity bodies. Sharing of food between family members living in different houses is also discouraged, so as to minimise the risk of transmission
Can I leave my home to visit family members during Ramadan?
The guidelines advised leaving the house only for necessities. Family visitation and one outdoor activity can be performed as per the set parameters. However, elderly people and high-risk individuals with chronic diseases are encouraged to stay home and avoid public places altogether. For those visiting family members, physical contact such as shaking hands or hugging is strongly discouraged.
Can we gather together for prayers during the month of Ramadan?
As per the guidelines, gathering of prayers is not allowed to prevent the possible spread of infection. Group prayers can be conducted among immediate household members, provided they all live in the same house.
iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
