Coronavirus: Public parks and hotel beaches to reopen in Dubai, but groups limited to five

The update was announced by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management

Parks and beaches have been closed since March. Public parks and hotel beaches can open as of this week. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Latest: Dubai health officials warn public over flouting mask and distancing rules

Public parks and hotel beaches in Dubai will reopen and allow groups of up to five people under new rules governing the relaxation of movement restrictions.

Cycling and other outdoor activities will also be permitted, officials from the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said on Wednesday.

The changes are effective immediately although physical distancing rules will remain in place and must be observed at all times.

Beaches at hotels in Dubai began reopening on Wednesday.

“The updates allow the opening of public parks with strict enforcement of specific preventive measures," said a statement on the government's news agency, Wam

"These include ensuring gatherings do not exceed five people. In addition, sports and recreational activities will be permitted in open spaces for up to five people, including cycling, water sports and skydiving."

Over recent days, other restrictions on travel and businesses have also been relaxed, including the resumption of Dubai's metro, ferries and water taxis.

In malls, refunds and returns are now permitted again and changing rooms have reopened for shoppers providing stores follow precautionary measures to ensure public health.

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai stressed the need to continue following all precautionary and preventive measures outlined by authorities, both local and federal.

“Strictly adopting and observing these measures at all times is critical to enhance protection and support efforts to reduce the spread of the virus," it said.

The UAE announced a further 783 cases of Covid-19 infections on Tuesday, bringing the country’s total to 19,661. In total, 6,012 people in the country have now recovered from the virus and 203 have died.

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Dubai releases post-Ramadan 'reopening' plan for malls and offices

Shoppers wear face masks at The Dubai Mall. Karim Sahib / AFP

Mall staff sanitise the escalator railings at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Malls in Dubai can now stay open from 10am to 10pm. Pawan Singh / The National

Shoppers wear face masks at Mall of the Emirates. Pawan Singh / The National

The food court at Mall of the Emirates. No more than four people can sit at each table, which must be separated by at least 2.5m. Pawan Singh / The National

Shoppers wear protective face masks at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Barricades have been put up around the food court area to hide people eating during Ramadan. Pawan Singh / The National

Shops reopen at Mall of the Emirates but preventive measures remain in place. Pawan Singh / The National

Shoppers buy supplies from Carrefour at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Shoppers wear protective face masks at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A man gets his temperature checked at the entrance to Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai. Giuseppe Cacace