Coronavirus: Dubai government tells shoppers they won't have to show permit at supermarket entrance

Earlier, Union Coop told customers they should be ready to hold up proof of their permit

Shoppers wear protective face masks as they enter a supermarket in Dubai. Residents are allowed to leave home every three days under the updated permit system. Pawan Singh / The National

Latest: Dubai to extend 24-hour stay-home order for another week

Dubai's government assured shoppers they will not have to hold up their permit to leave home when they arrive at supermarkets.

Dubai Economy, the department that regulates businesses, reassured customers that only police are in a position to check such documents.

The statement came after Union Coop, one of the country's largest chains, said staff would now check at entrances before allowing customers in.

It came as police tightened the rules surrounding the 24-hour stay-home order.

As of Thursday, residents can only apply for a permit to leave home once every three days. Journeys should be restricted to buying essential food and medicine only.

Last week, a senior police chief said officers were frustrated at "reckless" attempts to get around the order.

“We have seen many people who are not responsible and they don’t follow the humble requests from the government and the media to stay at home, said Col Saeed Al Hajeri.

"These reckless people are not only not following the orders they also set an example for others to follow their steps."

Police also urged residents to be careful when handling takeaways and food deliveries.

Residents should avoid contact with delivery drivers and takeaway bags should be dumped into a sink and all packaging discarded.

The life-span of the virus is estimated to be several days on plastic and about 24 hours on cardboard. Many restaurants have reassured customers that precautions are being taken, but police recommended careful handling, and washing hands after handling deliveries.

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