Dubai's emirate disclosed on Sunday, after the United Arab Emirates eased national coronavirus curfews over the weekend, that it lifted its full lockdown in two commercial districts that have a significant population of low-income migrant workers.
On Friday, Dubai cut back its 24-hour emirate-wide lockdown to a curfew of 10 pm to 6 am. The same move has now been taken in the districts of Al Ras and Naif, which had been sealed off as part of efforts to contain the virus spread.
Sectors and activities that are not included in the restrictions can continue to carry out their normal operations, including hospitals and deliveries.
The Supreme Crisis and Disaster Management Committee has said it has taken the decision as both areas have not reported any new coronavirus cases in the last two days.
Strict sterilization operations and rigorous medical tests included comprehensive preventive measures introduced in the heavily populated and economically active areas of Naif and Al-Ras. It said in less than a month, over 6,000 tests have been carried out among residents of Al-Ras and Naif.
The success was the culmination of all teams participating in the systematic sterilization program's joint efforts. Comprehensive surveillance and isolation of reported cases was instrumental in managing the virus' spread.
The Committee thanked the people of the two areas for their empathy and support, which has contributed greatly to the efforts to combat the virus. The findings also show the efficacy of precautionary measures and the expertise of frontline staff who worked to counter the pandemic round the clock.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) on Sunday reported a total of 10,349 COVID-19 infections and 76 fatalities resulting from the virus, the second-biggest figure among the six Gulf Arab countries after Saudi Arabia. Authorities did not give specific details for each of the seven emirates that comprise the country.
The Gulf states, where expats make up the majority of the working population, have seen diseases spread among low-wage immigrant workers residing in cramped conditions despite measures to fight the epidemic including the cessation of commercial flights, curfews and the closure of public places.
Dubai on Friday allowed restaurants and dine-in cafes to reopen for business with a maximum capacity of 30 percent and department stores to be resume operations on a limited capacity. Mosques, movie houses and playgrounds remained closed.
The committee expressed optimism that this achievement will set the stage for more social solidarity in dealing with the ongoing health crisis and a reduction in the total number of infections.
