Coronavirus: Dubai video appeal urges public to stay at home

The 30-second clip uses 20 languages to drive the message through

People swimming at Jumeirah Beach residence in Dubai on March 20, 2020. AFP / Giuseppe CACACE

Across the world, governments are urging people to stay at home to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

On Saturday, Dubai joined the appeal by launching a video calling on members of the public to avoid venturing out.

The 30-second address is given in 20 languages, reflecting the huge diversity of the city.

The message “stay at home” is repeated 20 times in Arabic, English, German and other dialects.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, head of communicable diseases at the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, also asked the public to adhere to social distancing to slow the spread of the disease.

She called on residents to keep a one-metre distance between each other at all times.

"In the last few hours, we have seen videos of people going to public parks and beaches and consequently we would like to stress the importance of adhering to social distancing rules put in place," she said.

The UAE has introduced a raft of measures aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19, including closing schools, resorting to work from home and cancelling public events.

On Saturday, it was announced all beaches, parks, cinemas, sports centres and public and private swimming pools would also shut temporarily.

Last week, authorities in Dubai announced restaurant tables must be placed two metres apart to reduce the risk of infection.

Under the guidelines, officials said customers should not be kept in waiting areas prior to being seated.

“Seating tables should be spaced to ensure two metres at least in between,” the Dubai Municipality said.

“Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.”

Experts say social distancing is the best way to “flatten the curve” of infections and help prevent healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed.

There are now more than 308,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the globe. There have been 13,000 deaths while almost 96,000 people have recovered.