Following the successful completion of the National Sterilization Programme by the UAE government on Wednesday (June 24), coronavirus-related movement restrictions have been lifted according to a senior government official.
The announcement signifies that the public can now move freely at any time of the day, but must still comply with the country’s preventive measures.
UAE Lifts Movement Restrictions; Guidelines for Preventive Measures Released
According to Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, the official spokesperson for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), while the National Sterilization Programme has ended, sterilization is expected to continue in public buildings.
Dr. Al Dhaheri: Today we announce the completion of the National Disinfection Program, which covered the country’s public facilities and transportation. However, the public buildings will continue to be regularly disinfected. #UAEGov
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 24, 2020
Dr. Dhaheri also urged the public to continue following the country’s precautionary safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by avoiding public gatherings and following proper social distancing protocols and wearing of masks and gloves when leaving the house.
As per the guidelines released, only three people are allowed in a car except for family vehicles.
Moreover, public gatherings will remain banned, and visiting families is not advised in the meantime to ensure the health and safety of all.
Despite the lifting of the ban on travel and movement, the laws and fines enacted by the government remain in place to ensure the safety of the citizens, residents, and visitors, Al Dhaheri explained.
In line with this, the Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai also announced the end of the national sterilization program in Dubai in line with the decision of the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management.
However, officials also confirmed that an entry ban into Abu Dhabi remains in place. This means that residents may now move freely within the Abu Dhabi emirate following the completion of the sterilization drive.
In a tweet released by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on Wednesday, it said: “Exiting Abu Dhabi does not require a permit, but the entry ban to Abu Dhabi remains in place, except for pre-exempted categories.”
Following the completion of the National Sterilisation Programme in #AbuDhabi, residents may now move freely within Abu Dhabi emirate. Exiting Abu Dhabi does not require a permit. The entry ban to Abu Dhabi remains in place, except for pre-exempted categories. pic.twitter.com/FU4yEtNWcD
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) June 24, 2020
The country-wide disinfection campaign began across the UAE on March 26. This aimed at combating the spread of coronavirus in the country.
At the time, authorities restricted the movement of traffic and people overnight under different curfew hours. On March 31, a nation-wide movement restriction was imposed until April 5. The curfew continued from 8 pm to 6 am.
On April 23, with the beginning of Ramadan, the authorities announced that the night-time curfew would be adjusted from 10 pm to 6 am.
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