Coronavirus: Sharjah cuts capacity at malls, cinemas and beaches

Concerts and musical shows are postponed for a month under latest guidelines

Sharjah cut the capacity of public venues and temporarily closed others in the fight against the coronavirus. Pawan Singh / The National

Sharjah authorities said the capacity at venues such as malls and beaches will be cut and live music events postponed for a month as part of efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Public transport, cinemas, entertainment venues, gyms, private beaches and swimming pools must operate at 50 per cent of their maximum capacity under guidelines announced by Sharjah Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee on Tuesday.

Shopping malls will operate at 60 per cent capacity, while public beaches and parks are limited to 70 per cent.

All concerts and musical shows will be postponed for four weeks.

Coronavirus in the UAE:

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National

Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP

Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP

Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National

Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National

Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Restaurants and coffee shops may only allow a maximum of four people per table unless customers are members of the same family.

Service providers at restaurants and coffee shops except those who were vaccinated from the coronavirus must take a PCR test every two weeks.

A maximum of 10 people are permitted to attend weddings and family gatherings.

At funerals only 20 people can attend, while a maximum of eight may accompany the coffin. Only two people are permitted to prepare the grave.

A PCR test is mandatory every week for employees of public and semi-public departments who need to work from an office.

Private sector employees must be tested every two weeks.

Individuals who were vaccinated are exempt.

Inspections will be increased to ensure the new rules are being followed.

The committee urged the public to abide by the revised rules and said that penalties would be increased for those who flout them.

“The commitment of each individual is a key factor in preserving the safety of the society,” a committee statement said.