NATIONAL STERILISATION PROGRAMME

PREPARED BYDUBAI CHAMBER

WHAT DUBAI’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY NEEDS TO KNOW?

INTRODUCTION

The objective of these guidelines is to provide companies and businesses in Dubai with comprehensive information from a credible source, detailing everything they need to know to run their businesses as seamlessly as possible during the National Sterilisation Programme, in addition to transparently and accurately highlighting how the programme would affect their businesses, working hours, and staff movement.

These guidelines encourage individuals and organisations to abide by the government’s regulations, which seek to enhance public safety and limit the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). All government entities - both local and federal - have been undertaking tremendous efforts to help this programme achieve its objectives, and support individuals and businesses to get back to their normal lives.

FAQS ABOUT NATIONAL STERILISATION PROGRAMME

What is the UAE National Sterilisation Programme?

The National Sterilisation Programme is a continuous sterilisation of all public utilities, public transport, and metro services. It was announced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Interior on March 26, 2020. The programme completely restricts movement for traffic and the public, exempting only the vital business sectors.

The programme is part of an integrated nation-wide plan that aims, first and foremost, to stop the spread of the virus, as well as to educate the public about the right measures they need to follow to keep themselves safe. It emphasises the UAE’s commitment to its people and its dedication to handling this difficult situation effectively and efficiently, minimising its impact on both individuals and businesses.

What does that mean?

Government authorities in the UAE are taking all necessary measures to make sure the entire community is aware of the programme, its goals to minimise the rate of infection, and its measures that take into consideration people’s basic needs and ensure all essential services continue to be provided for individuals and that business continuity is maintained - especially for vital sectors.

Individuals are not allowed to leave their homes, except for essential day-to-day needs (groceries, medical help, etc.), or if they work in the vital sectors that are exempt from these restrictions.

What are the new measures targeting companies introduced by Dubai Economy to vitalise the business sector in the emirate?

As per the circular issued by the Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai on the decision to resume economic activities, Dubai Economy announced a new set of measures to go into effect as of June, 3, 2020.

Most notable procedures stipulated in the Decision:

Easing restrictions and allowing free movement from 6:00 am until 11:00 pm

Return to the workplace at 100% capacity

Which entities are allowed to return to work with 100% capacity as per the regulations issued by the Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai?

Shopping malls and private sector businesses in Dubai are allowed to operate at 100% capacity as of Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Operating hours for companies and shopping malls will be from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, during which public movement within the emirate is permitted.

These businesses include:

Salons for women, men, and childrenOffices, office buildings, and community welfare servicesValet parking services and cinemasAuction halls and entertainment venuesGovernment service outsourcing centres, except for government services operated by government employeesClinics, including ENT (ear, nose, and throat) and dentistry, in addition to expanding permitted elective surgeries to those with a duration of 2.5 hours or lessEducational and training institutes, child learning, and therapy centresSports academies, indoor gyms, sports and fitness clubs (the use of bathrooms, spa, sauna, and massages remains prohibited)

What are the most notable restrictions to adhere to?

The circular doubled down on the precautionary measures already in place, outlining a set of new precautions for certain sectors and facilities.

The new measures include:

Abiding by the timings set by the National Sterilisation ProgrammeCheck all individuals’ temperatures before entering any facility Installing hand sanitising stations in all shared areas and maintaining a safe social distance of 2 metresResidents returning to the UAE must remain at home or be placed under quarantine at a dedicated institutionEnsuring personal hygiene and using sanitisers and single-use personal items

How will different sectors operate under the new procedures?

Wholesale and RetailIncreasing operating capacity for retail and wholesale facilities to 100%

Shopping malls and retail stores can choose their preferred working hours any time between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm.Allowing food and beverage outlets and food courts to operate during their designated hours, with precautions

Visitors over 60 years of age and children under 12 years (accompanied by an adult) may access health centres and clinics located within shopping malls

This age group is not allowed to enter shopping centres if they are not visiting a clinic

People suffering from health problems and conditions of any age group are not allowed to enter the malls

Salons and Barber ShopsDubai Economy has increased operational capacity for women’s salons (hair and nails only), men’s barber shops, and children’s salons to 100%, with the exception of restrooms, saunas, Moroccan baths, and massages. Home services have also been prohibitedVisitors to be welcomed by pre-booked appointment onlyA safe social distance of two metres should be maintained in areas where hair and nail services are providedCustomers must wear protective masks, which can be temporarily removed for certain procedures, such as grooming beards and hair behind the earsService providers must wear masks at all times

Adults (aged less than 60) may watch a maximum of three children at a time, and only one child if he/she is aged 1-5Surfaces and chairs must be sanitised after every customer, and employees should wash and sanitise their hands after each customer as wellWaiting areas should be removedCustomers’ temperature must be checked upon arrivalWorkers exhibiting symptoms must not be allowed to enter

Service providers who fail to abide by the government protocols are subject to strict penalties

CinemasFoods and beverages can be purchased at movie theatres

Only 2D films can be screened with 3D and 4D films prohibited

Theatres are allowed to serve food and beverages as long as they are in single-use containers with single-use utensils. Food must also be served in smaller portions to avoid having customers share food

Providing blankets is not allowed

Testing all employees and workers at theatres (including cleaning staff), who are all required to wear protective masks and gloves

Employees must follow social distancing measures as stipulated in guidelines by the Municipality

Sanitising facilities after every screening and conduct an intensive disinfection of all screening rooms and public spaces after hours

Installing hand sanitising stations in all public spaces and provide disinfecting soap and products in restrooms

Taking visitors’ temperature at entrances and wearing protective masks for the entire duration of the film. Failure to comply will lead to the customer being prohibited from entering the cinema

Dedicated isolation spaces must be established

Social distancing should be implemented inside screening rooms: horizontally, where two seats will be allocated to customers and the two following seats left empty, and vertically, where every other row will be left empty. Flyers must be put up to ensure social distancing is observed

Cinemas must communicate with the public through digital platforms and the media, in addition to placing clear public announcements at entrances and in public spaces

Children under 12 years of age and adults older than 60 - as well as individuals suffering from health problems - are not allowed to enter the cinema

Screening frequency must be reduced to allow sufficient time for effective disinfectionAllowing one single line at ticket box offices and concession stands to ensure social distancing

Valet ParkingDubai Economy’s circular outlined a set of procedures and regulations for valet parking services at malls and everywhere around Dubai,

including:

Valet services may be provided in certain designated areas

All employees must abide by precautionary measures, including wearing gloves and masks at all time, as well as a face guard in case of direct contact with customers

Change gloves and sanitise hands after every car parked

Use disposable covers for seats and steering wheels

Check employees’ temperatures once they arrive to work and prohibit employees exhibiting symptoms from entering

Regular cleaning and disinfection of the valet booth, in addition to providing customers with disinfecting wipes to clean the steering wheel, gear shift, and any other service the employee will need to touch, including the keys

Valets must leave air conditioning on in the car with the windows and doors left open to help circulate the air. They may also use other equipment such as fans for the same purpose

Offices and CompaniesDubai Economy has allowed offices, administrative buildings, and social welfare service centres to operate at 100% capacity as of Wednesday, June 3, 2020Offices to resume operations during regular work hoursOffices, office buildings, and social welfare services are required to place signs on the floor and in elevators to ensure social distancing is observed, where customers are required to stand on these signsFollowing the preventive measures and all precautions to ensure the safety of all employees in private sector companies, and their clients and customers,

such as:Taking the temperature of all employees, clients, and customers entering the company’s headquartersProviding a sanitary isolation room for suspected cases of infectionDetermining the number of employees who are allowed to use the dining roomsAdditional mandatory instructions issued by government healthcare entities in the UAE

Which entertainment activities are not included in the decision?

The Dubai Economy circular excluded the following entertainment activities from the decision to resume operations:

Commercial activities and family events

Birthdays and other social gatherings

Arcade games and summer and spring camps

Activities involving animals and interactive activities in general

Gatherings, celebrations, and events

Which entertainment activities are allowed to resume operations?

These activities include:

Ice skating rinks, go-kart tracks, and observation decks

Museums

Dubai Frame

Public parks, gardens, and beaches

XLine Dubai Marina

The Green Planet, Dubai Dolphinarium, Ski Dubai, Aquariums, live outdoor shows

Maritime activities and sports

Venues must only be filled at 50% capacity with four metres of distance between customers.

What are the precautions issued by Dubai Municipality for reopening swimming pools?

The sectors providing services necessary for meeting the community’s essential needs and ensuring business continuity are exempt from restrictions.

Clean and sterilise swimming pools before reopening, including drawing samples to ensure the water is free of bacterial contamination, periodic sampling, and maintaining adequate chlorine content in swimming pools

Carry out extensive cleaning and sterilisation of all contact points and common facilities, including handles, chairs, tables, toilets, and showers, among others

All visitors must adhere to health regulations and health-conscious behaviour, including not spitting in the pool, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and rinsing before and after entering the pool

Showers, changing rooms, and wardrobes may be open, provided they are sterilised between each user or every hour. Social distancing must be observed, keeping visitors 2 meters apart at all times. In the event where these conditions cannot be met, the aforementioned facilities are to remain closed

It is prohibited, to provide or offer towels; visitors must bring their own. Sunbeds must be covered with an additional layer that would be removed and replaced after each use, while sun loungers should be completely sterilised after each use

Train all employees and educate them about safety measures

Implement sterilisation procedures and social distancing, in addition to taking employees’ and visitors’ temperature before they enter the pool area. Those whose temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees Celsius are to be prohibited from entering the site, along with anyone suffering from chronic illnesses or respiratory diseases

Create isolation areas where suspected cases can stay until the Dubai Health Authority can be contacted. If the pool is in a location that already has an isolation room, that room can be used and there is no need to create additional spaces for isolation

All persons must maintain a distance of at least 2 metres between them inside and outside the pool, while groups larger than 5 people must maintain a distance of 4 metres between them and other groups. Pool operator need to take all necessary measures to ensure these restrictions are met, including the redistribution of sun loungers

The pool should be occupied at a rate of 1 person per 4 square metres. Signs must be placed at the entrance explicitly stating how many people a pool can welcome, depending on its size

What are the vital sectors that are exempt from restrictions during the programme?

The sectors providing services necessary for meeting the community’s essential needs and ensuring business continuity are exempt from restrictions.

These include:

Medical staff and workers in the healthcare sector

Workers in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies

Food retail outlets, such as Co-ops, supermarkets, grocery stores, and grocery delivery services,

in addition to restaurants and cafes, which will only be open for delivery services

Supply Chain sector, including services, commodities, construction materials, and warehouses

Workers in the energy sector: Water, electricity, petrol stations, and cooling services

Telecommunications

Ports and airports sector, as well as shipping companies and airlines

Government and private entities involved in the efforts to fight the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic

Public transport sector, such as taxis and buses

Municipality services sector including sanitation, waste, and public and private cleaning services

Construction sector with identified regulations for permits from Dubai Municipality and the

Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs.

Customs services sector and border crossings

Public and private security services

Media

All abovementioned sectors are allowed to operate as usual.

Children should be supervised by their parents at all times to ensure social distancing in the children’s pool

All visitors must not spend no more than 2 hours in the pool, all the while abiding by Dubai Municipality’s circulars regarding food establishments. It is not permitted to open the bar area in the pool

All visitors and workers must wear masks at all times, but it should be removed while swimming

Guidelines and rules must be clearly displayed for the public at the entrances and exits, as well as in all locations around the pool area.

Massage, spa, sauna, and Jacuzzi services are not permitted

Is there any possibility the programme will be extended?

As mentioned earlier, the programme is currently running until further notice as announced by the relevant authorities.

Please refer periodically to the announcements issued by the relevant government entities, as they are the only credible source of information when it comes to updates regarding the programme.

Where can I get the permit?

The permit can be obtained with a simple procedure from a dedicatedwebsite launched for this service:

www.dxbpermit.gov.ae/permits

For any enquiries about the permit, you can: call the hotline

800-PERMIT (800 737 648)

Last Update 15 June, 2020