Sharjah crisis chief says further restrictions could be needed to win Covid-19 fight

Senior officer thanked the public as new safety measures were rolled out

A nationwide vaccination drive has proved successful but safety measures remain key to limiting coronavirus infections. AFP

Sharjah's crisis chief has praised the public for backing efforts to drive down Covid-19 infection rates - but warned further restrictions could be required to overcome the pandemic.

Lt Col Hamdan Al Tunaiji, head of the emergency and crisis department at Sharjah Police, said communities have largely obeyed safety measures implemented to limit the spread of the virus.

Last week, the emirate introduced a raft of new restrictions, including cutting capacity at malls to 60 per cent and limiting numbers on public transport and at cinemas, entertainment venues, gyms, private beaches and swimming pools to 50 per cent.

All concerts and musical shows were postponed for four weeks as part of the directives.

Some countries have resorted back to lockdowns therefore we say that the public is a key factor in fighting this crisis

The move led to the postponement of shows at Al Majaz Amphitheatre and the recently-opened Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre featuring international singers.

“The latest updates made will not be the last because the pandemic forced a new reality on all crisis and disaster teams across the world,” said Lt Col Al Tunaiji during a radio broadcast in Sharjah.

He said authorities must "analyse and revise rules" depending on the level of infections at any given time, revealing regulations were tightened in response to a rising number of positive tests.

He stressed the support of the public was key to limiting the number of restrictions imposed on every day life.

“Some countries have resorted back to lockdowns, therefore we say that the public is a key factor in fighting this crisis and bringing the number of cases down,” he said.

The senior officer said members of the public had come forward to report breaches of Covid-19 rules, indicating their understanding of the necessity of such measures.

“We have honestly received a large number of emails from members of the public notifying us of violations, which means people are demonstrating awareness.”

He said patrols had been stepped up to monitor the compliance of the public.

“We don’t aim to issue fines and our concern is to reduce the numbers of infections and protect the public therefore we appeal to them to adhere to measures,” he said.

At a media briefing last week, it was revealed that more than 30,000 breaches of safety rules had been reported this year.

Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, said most offences involved people failing to wear face masks or adhere to social distancing practices and taking part in gatherings.

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