Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Saturday announced its public bus services will be free of charge for individuals permitted to leave their homes during the extended two-week sterilisation period. Additionally, Dubai Taxi vehicles and franchised taxis will offer a 50 per cent discount on normal fares.
The decision follows an announcement made by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, in coordination with the Command and Control Centre for Combating COVID-19, to extend the sterilisation programme to 24 hours a day for a period of two weeks across all areas and communities in the emirate as part of enhanced preventive measures in the community. The two-week period is subject to renewal.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said the decision reflects RTA’s commitment to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide the greatest possible support to all members of the community during this sensitive period. “The measures aim to help members of the public who need to leave their homes for essential purposes and those who work in vital sectors. The decision underscores the RTA’s commitment to support the efforts made by Dubai and the UAE to combat the novel coronavirus and reduce the risk of its spread to the minimum.”
Dubai Metro and Tram services will be suspended from April 5 until further notice. According to a circular by Serco, which is responsible for the operations and maintenance of Dubai Metro, retailers have been told they will not have access to their stores during this period. All stations on the red and green line of the Dubai Metro are to be closed.
People working in support sectors are permitted to leave homes in Dubai during the 24-hour national sterilisation programme, but are requested to present proof, Dubai Police said on Sunday. Dubai Police patrols, surveillance cameras and radars are being used to identify people who do not comply with the authorities’ order during the national sterilisation programme in Dubai.
Employees working in banking and financial services (banks and exchange centres), social welfare services, laundry services (for permitted outlets) and maintenance services, are permitted to commute to work between 8am and 2pm.
Members of the public are allowed to go out for:
• Essential needs such as buying food from food supply outlets (Union Cooperative stores, supermarkets and groceries); only one family member is permitted to leave the house for this purpose.
• Buying medicines/getting medical assistance from healthcare service providers like hospitals, clinics and pharmacies
• COVID-19 tests
The measures will be effective from 8pm on Saturday, April 4, 2020 for a period of two weeks, subject to renewal. Individuals will not be allowed to leave the house, except for essential purposes or if they are working in vital sectors exempted from the restrictions. All people leaving home should wear a mask, gloves and ensure they keep a safe distance from others.
.Food retail outlets such as Union cooperative stores and supermarkets, as well as pharmacies and food and medicine deliveries are allowed to operate
Dubai Police said that people can call 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergencies as well as report any violations through E-Crime platform and ‘Police Eye Service’.
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