Sharjah to lift capacity limits in line with national Covid-19 strategy

The emirate's Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team said restrictions will be gradually eased at all public events and activities

Sharjah is to lift restrictions at public venues such as shopping centres. The National

Sharjah will gradually lift capacity limits for all public events and activities in line with a nationwide strategy to ease Covid-19 restrictions.

The emirate's Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team said the directive covers all sectors.

Shopping centres, restaurants and cafes, places of worship and modes of transport will be able to resume full occupancy under the plans.

Maximum capacity will be allowed at social events, such as weddings and funerals.

Social distancing will be reduced to one metre in mosques and other places of worship.

The Sharjah government urged members of the public to continue to adhere to the rules.

“Authorities will deal with anyone who violates the stipulated preventive and precautionary measures,” the crisis management team said.

Limits also lifted in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is also gradually lifting capacity limits in shopping centres, entertainment facilities and across public transport.

The emirate's emergency, crisis and disaster management team said social events, such as weddings and funerals, can also operate to a maximum capacity.

However, worshippers must keep a distance of at least one metre from one another in mosques.

Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesman for the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, said last week venues would be allowed to operate at full occupancy by the middle of this month.

He said individual emirates would to allowed to set capacity limits for weddings and funerals, and called on members of the public to abide by green pass rules specific to their area.

Cinemas were allowed to return to 100 per cent capacity from Tuesday under the measures.

Stadiums will no longer have to limit the number of spectators at football matches and other sporting events, the UAE Football Association said.

Capacity has been increased to 100 per cent but entry will only be allowed to people aged 12 and over who have a green status on the Al Hosn app.

Spectators must also provide proof they have received a negative PCR test result in the past 96 hours.

UAE eases Covid-19 rules - in pictures

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  Cinemas in the UAE can now operate at 100 per cent capacity at screenings. Lee Hoagland / The National

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  Shopping centres can run at maximum capacity. Restrictions were already minimal in many of the emirates. Reem Mohammed / The National

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  One of the most significant changes is allowing mosques to increase capacity. Restrictions had meant more worshippers were spilling out on to the streets. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  One-metre social distancing should still be maintained, authorities said. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Sports stadiums can now return to maximum capacity but fans must take a PCR test and show a negative result using the Al Hosn app. AP Photo