Web Report
In the latest move, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that social distancing is now practised in metro carriages, and that the number of passengers has been limited.
The new rules of engagement call for maintaining a gap of one to two metres (or three to six feet) to prevent possible exposure when an infected person coughs or speaks, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It is also advised to avoid physical contact when greeting others, such as handshakes, kisses or hugs. Instead, wave, nod, or place your hand over your heart.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced 50 new cases of COVID-19, in addition to the recovery of four people.
These new cases were among individuals who had close contact with cases announced previously, as well as people who had returned from abroad. The total number of confirmed cases in the UAE now stands at 248.
Further steps taken by the RTA include the disinfection and sterilisation of metro carriages, public buses, taxis and marine transport, with around 1,000 workers solely dedicated to the task. Dubai’s public transportation caters to nearly 1.5 million riders per day.
“We are committed to taking sanitary and preventive measures in the intensive cleaning and sanitization operations of various means of transportation in accordance with the highest standards followed internationally, on a daily basis to maintain the health and safety of those who travel,” said the RTA.
The RTA also advised pedestrians to use a hand sanitiser before and after clicking the pedestrian signals, and to follow the health and safety guidelines issued by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and WHO.
Public parks and beaches were closed across the emirates, distance learning was enforced in all public and private schools, and as of March 25, all shopping centres have been directed to close for two weeks. The health ministry and National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said the decision, which excludes dealing with wholesalers, will be subject to re-assessment.
