Dubai announced a partial reduction in the restrictions on movement in the emirate starting Friday 24 April. Reduced Restrictions on Movement for the General Public As part of the first phase of easing of restrictions, the stringent curbs on public movement will now be limited to the period between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am. During this period, the public will be allowed to leave their homes only for medical emergencies. Individuals will be able to leave their homes between 6.00 am and 10.00 pm without a permit. The public will be required to strictly follow precautionary measures which include maintaining physical distance from others as per guidelines and wearing a face mask. Those who do not wear a mask will be subject to a fine of AED1,000 (See Announcement).
Employees at administrative offices for companies and institutions are allowed to work in offices only if it is necessary. Their numbers should not exceed 30% of the total workforce. The rest of the workforce can continue working remotely from home. Companies should constantly monitor the number of employees and visitors entering and leaving the workplace every day. Meetings should be held at the office only if it is necessary. Attendees should not exceed five people and each person should maintain a two-meter physical distance from others. Daily sterilization of the workplace is mandatory and employees and visitors should be provided with sanitizers at all times. Everyone is required to wear face masks when at the workplace (See Announcement).
Employers, who are permitted to be open, are required to increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfection process in labor accommodations, provide adequate hand sanitizers and hand-wash liquid, document all cleaning and disinfection operations including a list of used disinfectants (See Circular 2).
Similarly, construction contracting companies are required to increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfection at project sites (See Circular 21).
All residential and public buildings are required to have intensified procedures of cleaning and disinfection (See Circular 16).
All labor accommodations and construction sites in Dubai must take precautionary measures within labor accommodations including increased frequency of disinfection and cleaning, limited gatherings, and social and physical distancing of 2 meters to be practiced in specific areas. Also, construction workers’ temperatures must be tested before entering the premises and before leaving. If upon testing, a worker is found to have a body temperature of 37.8°C or more, it is imperative that the worker is placed in isolation and is constantly checked for temperature and appearance of symptoms. Concerned authorities must contact the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in the case of any follow-up actions or queries (See Guideline).
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
– Health & Safety Department, Dubai Municipality