Abu Dhabi updates capacity limits for public places

Restaurants, cafes, beaches and parks to operate at a 50 per cent limit, with malls at 40 per cent capacity from Monday

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  Residents wear face masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

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  Qasr Al Watan presidential palace reopened to public tours with strict Covid-19 measures in place. Victor Besa / The National

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  A Covid-19 safety sign outside a shop at Al Qahirah Street, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

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  A swing is cordoned off along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures. Victor Besa / The National

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  A sign advising the public of measures against Covid-19, on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

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  Visitors arriving at Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island are reminded of precautions against Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

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  Louvre Abu Dhabi visitors adhere to measures to stop the spread of Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

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  A technician carries out tests for Covid-19 at MenaLabs Medical Laboratory in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Abu Dhabi has set out new operating capacity limits for public places in the emirate, which will come into force on Monday.

The emirate's Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said public beaches, public parks, private beaches and swimming pools, restaurants and cafes, gyms and spas, buses and public ferries would operate at 50 per cent capacity

Shopping malls will operate at a 40 per cent limit and cinemas at 30 per cent capacity.

A maximum of three passengers may travel in a five-passenger taxi and four passengers in a seven-passenger taxi, the authority said.

Separately, Abu Dhabi will reintroduce its overnight sterilisation programme from July 17, asking all to stay at home from midnight until 5am unless securing a police permit.

The emergency committee also announced new entry requirements for the emirate.

Abu Dhabi previously revised capacity limits for venues in February.

Restaurants and cafe visitor numbers were capped at 60 per cent in those directives.

Malls and gyms remain at the same capacity as set down previously.

The new rules will come into effect on the first day of the Eid Al Adha holiday for public and private sector workers.

Workers will enjoy a four-day break in honour of the occasion, running from Monday to Thursday.

The move is part of Abu Dhabi's efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19 and protect public health.

Officials urged the public to abide by preventive measures, maintain physical distance and wear masks in public places.

This week, officials urged the public to celebrate Eid Al Adha safely after noting a rise in deaths during previous holiday periods.

Authorities said the average number of daily deaths related to the disease after gatherings for New Year increased to 16.

Deaths rose from three to six during Eid Al Fitr.

"After Eid Al Fitr this year, the average daily Covid-19 infections reached more than 2,000 cases, equivalent to an increase of more than 60 per cent," said Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the health sector.

"We review these statistics with you to confirm that the responsibility today is shared between us, and your commitment to precautionary measures, especially during these occasions, contributes positively to reducing these rates.

"It is the responsibility of everyone. We must be socially responsible and show awareness.

"The journey of recovery requires us to continue with this commitment."