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Dubai Shuts Down Bars, Pubs Following Spike In COVID-19 Cases
Dubai on Monday announced that it would close all bars and pubs for the entire month of February and limit other activities after a spike in coronavirus cases followed New Year’s Eve celebrations that drew visitors from around the world. The sheikhdom also ordered restaurants and cafes to close by 1 a.m., as well as […]
Dubai on Monday announced that it would close all bars and pubs for the entire month of February and limit other activities after a spike in coronavirus cases followed New Year’s Eve celebrations that drew visitors from around the world.
The sheikhdom also ordered restaurants and cafes to close by 1 a.m., as well as instituted crowd limits on cinemas, hotels, malls, and other destinations. The government shared that its coronavirus testing facilities and hospitals came under pressure from 17 straight days of record reported daily coronavirus figures across the wider United Arab Emirates.
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The announcement from the government’s Dubai Media Office blamed a marked increase in the number of violations of precautionary measures for the decision made by the city-state’s hereditary rulers. “The measures seek to further enhance efforts to combat COVID-19, and protect the health and safety of all citizens, residents, and visitors,” the statement said.
Daily reported coronavirus cases neared 4,000, Dubai fired the head of its government health agency without explanation. It stopped live entertainment at bars, halted nonessential surgeries, limited wedding sizes, and ordered gyms to increase space between those working out. It also now requires coronavirus testing for all those flying into its airport.
Questioned about hospital capacity after earlier shutting down a field hospital, Dubai Sunday announced it established two dedicated centers to treat coronavirus patients. On Monday, lines remained long at coronavirus testing facilities in the emirate, with one major hospital telling patients some results only would come after 72 hours. Dubai also urged the public to report those violating coronavirus rules to the police.
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