Massage parlours and spas in Dubai will close until the end of the month to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
On Sunday, the emirate's Department of Economic Development said the closure will begin immediately. The announcement does not apply to beauty salons, however.
"Inspections will be carried out to verify compliance with this circular," said DED.
It came as authorities announced a slew of precautionary measures to reduce the risk of infection, including the temporary closure of public parks, cinemas, spring camps and beaches.
In line with ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, @Dubai_DED directs all establishments licensed to operate massage parlours and spas to suspend these activities with immediate effect from today (15 March, 2020) till the end of March. pic.twitter.com/RG0VQDHtEy
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 15, 2020
Meanwhile, nail and hair salons have also stepped up precautionary measures and are no longer accepting customers who recently travelled to high risk countries.
Under UAE law, salons are required to maintain high levels of sanitation and hygiene among staff and their tools - as most services include physical contact with customers.
Spaces Salon in Dubai, which has eight spas across the country, said staff were told to check travel documents for all non-UAE residents under new hygiene protocols.
“To ensure and avoid the spread of the virus, we are currently not accepting clients who have recently travelled to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan,” the salon said on social media.
Speaking to The National, salon manager Nandini Muglani, said all employees must now wear gloves and masks at all times.
“We are in physical contact with clients, so it is always important to sanitise and clean. We also make sure the client is washing their hands too.
“Once customers call for bookings, we ask if they have travelled to any high-risk countries."
At Crystal Beauty Lounge in Dubai, staff have been told to question a client's travel history before making a booking.
Salon manager Huda Jbali said employees were taking extra responsibility for their own health by wearing protective masks during all treatments.
“We do a lot of facials and Moroccan baths, so it’s important that we keep great hygiene and cleanliness in place," she said.
"All of our girls are wearing masks, we are cleaning the surfaces in the morning and throughout the day.
“Like others, we are asking all clients of their travel history, as we can’t accept those who have recently visited high risk countries.
"The majority of our customers are regulars, though.”
At one of the country's largest nail spa and beauty salons, Tips and Toes, managers have taken precautions even further.
Employees who take sick leave from any of the 33 branches must now submit a health clearance letter, proving they are clear of Covid-19 before resuming work.
Diane Maninang, the salon's quality control manager, said they were not accepting any clients who feel unwell to further reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
“We take utmost precaution by not accepting clients that are clearly unwell," she said.
"After 15 years in the business, our client relationships are on a deeper and more personal level, so we trust their sense of ownership and awareness about the pandemic.
“We must all mutually ensure that under no circumstances can a sick client visit our salon."
Disinfectant dispensers are mounted at every service station, while all tools are regularly sterilised.
The facility only uses disposable manicure kits, towels, threads, waxing spatulas and facial sponges.
“We disinfect ourselves and wash our hands before and after each client,” said Ms Maninang.
