Ajman tightens restrictions as police report rise in Covid-19 rule breaches

Capacity at hotels, gyms, cienemas and parks cut to 50 per cent under new directives

Ajman is the latest emirate to tighten safety regulations amid a rise in coronavirus cases. Pawan Singh / The National

Hotels in Ajman were ordered to operate at 50 per cent capacity with immediate effect as authorities tightened Covid-19 safety measures.

Gyms, cinemas and parks must also halve their capacity under new directives issued on Thursday.

Only 20 people will be allowed to attend funeral services, with weddings and family gatherings limited to 10, the emirate's crisis authority stated.

Concerts and other entertainment activities have been halted until further notice.

Police said the number of people who refused to wear face masks and those gathering in large numbers had risen in the emirate.

“Breaches of physical distancing rule at malls, parks and other public place have increased recently,” said police spokeswoman Major Noura Sultan Al Shamsi,

“Due to the increase in infections, police and health authorities have intensified public awareness campaigns to urge people to follow all precautionary measures or face being fined.”

On Sunday, all schools and nurseries in Ajman switched to remote learning in response to the rising case numbers.

Ajman is the latest emirate to impose new restrictions this week.

Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah introduced new rules to stem the spread of Covid-19 on Wednesday.

The measures include capping mall capacity at 60 per cent, limiting public transport capacity to 50 per cent and cutting capacity at cinemas, entertainment events and venues to 50 per cent.

Coronavirus in the UAE:

A sign at a public beach in Dubai urging people to follow Covid-19 distancing rules. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Participants seated adhering to social-distancing rules during an event at Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An employee brings drinks to customers at Cafe Society in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An employee disinfects a table before welcoming customers in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An employee checks a customer's temperature at Cafe Society in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Visitors to Reform Athletica yoga studio in Dubai perform their exercises with their masks on. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An employee waits to measure customers' temperatures at Cafe Society in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A cordoned off swing along the Abu Dhabi corniche amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

A signboard on Covid-19 precautionary measures at Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Sharjah rolled out similar restrictions the previous day, while Abu Dhabi capped capacity at venues such as malls, restaurants and gyms last week.

Earlier this month, Dubai’s government imposed a series of restrictions on public places and venues.

It cut seating capacity in various venues including cinemas, entertainment and sports complexes to 50 per cent.

It also reduced hotel occupancy and swimming pool use to 70 per cent of capacity. Shopping malls will be allowed to accept only 70 per cent of their total capacity.

Restaurants and cafes will be required to close by 1am. They will also not be allowed to organise any entertainment activities.