Coronavirus: all government staff in Sharjah to return to offices from Sunday

Federal workers have been given the go-ahead to resume duties in line with safety measures

Men exercise in a park by Dubai Creek in Baniyas, Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

Men exercise in a park by Dubai Creek in Baniyas, Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

Men exercise in a park by Dubai Creek in Baniyas, Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

A man sits in a park by Dubai Creek in Baniyas, Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

Men exercise in a park by Dubai Creek in Baniyas, Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

Men sit on the grass by Dubai Creek in Baniyas, Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

A man sits in a boat, waiting for customers in Baniyas, Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

People wearing protective face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus walking on the streets of Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

People wearing protective face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus walking on the streets of Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

All government staff in Sharjah are to return to their workplaces from Sunday.

The authorities confirmed that all federal workers will fully resume their duties as part of ongoing efforts to relax the restrictions on trade and travel that are in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Workers across the emirate – and the rest of the country – have been working from home for months to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Dr Tariq Sultan bin Khadem, Sharjah Executive Council member and chairman of the Sharjah Human Resources Directorate, praised employees for rising to the challenge of ensuring public sector services continued to operate smoothly during the pandemic.

He said all relevant departments received circulars setting out the precautionary measures to be enforced for workers' safe return.

Dr bin Khadem highlighted the successful implementation of remote working practices during the public health crisis.

He stressed the importance of employers and employees abiding by safety measures and adopting physical distancing practices when back at work.

Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, director general of Sharjah Department of eGovernment, said the move to allow all public sector staff to return to offices was a crucial step forward in the country's fight against Covid-19.

Khalid bin Butti Al Muhairi, member of the Executive Council and chairman of the Department of Town Planning and Survey, confirmed the department had put in place all necessary safety guidelines at its headquarters and branches across the emirate in readiness for employees' return.

He said a committee had been formed to supervise the enforcement of safety measures in order to safeguard the health of staff and members of the public.

Last month, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources outlined procedures for the return of staff to offices across the country.

Some of the measures in place include the mandatory use of face masks and gloves, and a ban on handshakes.

Video conferences should replace meetings and everyone should wash or sanitise their hands regularly, the authority said.

Glass barriers should be installed to separate employees and customers, and people should always remain two metres apart.