No gatherings for impending national celebrations in UAE

Our Correspondent

As part of its efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the UAE government has announced the launch of a precautionary and preventive guide for various activities and national celebrations that are coming up. It also prescribed the preventive procedures relating to the entry of Omani citizens through the country’s land ports.

 

Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesperson of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), said that the country will soon celebrate Commemoration Day and the 49th National Day, followed by Christmas and New Year’s Eve and hence there was a need to follow protocols.

 

According to the general guidelines, musical events must be held with the approval of relevant authorities observing precautionary procedures; celebrations at workplaces will be cancelled or limited to raising flags and installing signs; and random gatherings during fireworks will be prohibited.

 

“No gatherings are allowed for celebrations. No food or gifts can be exchanged. People can take part in the celebrations virtually,” said the official at the media briefing. “Concerts that last for more than three to four hours cannot be held without prior approval.”

 

At authorised entertainment facilities, safety guidelines will strictly be implemented: this includes wearing facemasks, using thermal detection devices at the entrances of public facilities, paying attention to personal hygiene, and training all workers in entertainment facilities to follow health and safety guidelines and apply preventive procedures upon delivering food and beverage.

A two-metre safe distance between people, prohibiting private parties and gatherings, providing places of quarantine, and installing entry and exit signs in all facilities are further steps.

 

Everyone should adhere to labels and signs for their safety; continuously cleaning and sanitising every hour, prohibiting organised marches and refraining from offering food, gifts and other celebration materials are also important.

 

Remote celebrations and participation in remote events, limiting event times to three to four hours and the number of participants in competitions are also expected.