The year-end holiday season is fast approaching. Like every other celebration since the start of the pandemic, this one will be different, too.
Precautionary measures – including masks, restrictions on gatherings and maintaining physical distancing – remain in place to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Adhering to such measures affects how people will be able to get together at times such as National Day, Christmas and New Year.
On Tuesday, authorities issued a set of rules listing precautionary measures for larger events, such as concerts, that may be held over the period.
But what about gatherings at home?
Will you be allowed to invite family and friends over to celebrate?
The National explains.
Can I hold a party at home with friends?
No. Parties and gatherings of friends are still banned under rules announced earlier in the outbreak.
This was reinforced in September when an actress was fined for holding a birthday party at two restaurants.
“She had a number of guests gathered in a closed place, which is in breach of the resolution issued by the UAE’s Attorney General," said Brig Jamal Al Jallaf, director of criminal investigations at Dubai Police, at the time.
Anyone holding a gathering in a public or private place – including a home – will face a Dh10,000 fine under rules to curb the spread of the virus, he said.
Those who attend a gathering will be fined Dh5,000.
A spokeswoman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority confirmed there had been no change to the protocols regarding gatherings since then.
Authorities recommend holding digital celebrations instead.
What about family? Can I invite them over to celebrate?
Yes. In September, authorities said gatherings of up to 10 family members could take place, but they emphasised that safety measures must be followed.
All first-degree relatives who plan to attend are advised to take a Covid-19 test 24 hours prior to the event.
At the event itself, buffets are banned and all food should be served using disposable crockery.
Physical distancing of two metres between guests must be maintained and hosts should remind them to wash their hands regularly.
Surfaces must continuously be sanitised, according to the notice from authorities.
Anyone who is unwell, elderly or has a chronic illness should not attend.
Non-compliance with safety measures will lead to penalties and fines, in accordance with the laws issued by the UAE Attorney General.
What about concerts and workplace celebrations?
Workplace celebrations are banned altogether, as are marches.
Concerts are allowed, but only after receiving approval from authorities.
Additional precautionary measures must be in place, including mandatory temperature checks for all in attendance and assigning dedicated isolation areas for those who may be sick.
Entry and exit routes must also be clearly marked.
Advance bookings should be encouraged and events must last no longer than three to four hours.
All areas at public facilities must be cleaned and sterilised every hour.
Recipe
Garlicky shrimp in olive oil
Gambas Al Ajillo
Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
180ml extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 5 large cloves of garlic, minced or pureed (or 3 to 4 garlic scapes, roughly chopped); 1 or 2 small hot red chillies, dried (or ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes); 400g raw prawns, deveined, heads removed and tails left intact; a generous splash of sweet chilli vinegar; sea salt flakes for seasoning; a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Method
▶ Heat the oil in a terracotta dish or frying pan. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the garlic and chilli, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until golden and aromatic.
▶ Add a splash of sweet chilli vinegar and as it vigorously simmers, releasing perfumed aromas, add the prawns and cook, stirring a few times.
▶ Once the prawns turn pink, after 1 or 2 minutes of cooking, remove from the heat and season with sea salt flakes.
▶ Once the prawns are cool enough to eat, scatter with parsley and serve with small forks or toothpicks as the perfect sharing starter. Finish off with crusty bread to soak up all that flavour-infused olive oil.
Star%20Wars%3A%20Episode%20I%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Phantom%20Menace
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Big%20Ape%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20LucasArts%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20PlayStation%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Background: Chemical Weapons
MATCH INFO
Borussia Dortmund 0
Bayern Munich 1 (Kimmich 43')
Man of the match: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
MATCH INFO
Norwich City 0 Southampton 3 (Ings 49', Armstrong 54', Redmond 79')
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
more from Janine di Giovanni
Most F1 world titles
7 — Michael Schumacher (1994, ’95, 2000, ’01 ’02, ’03, ’04)
7 — Lewis Hamilton (2008, ’14,’15, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20)
5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)
4 — Alain Prost (1985, ’86, ’89, ’93)
4 — Sebastian Vettel (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13)
