Coronavirus: UAE curfew and disinfection programme to continue

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - An overnight national curfew is to be extended as disinfection measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus continue.

The National Disinfection Programme will include new facilities and establishments in all seven emirates, according to a new directive from the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Interior.

Movement has been restricted across the country from 8pm until 6am since Thursday, March 26 as disinfection teams take precautionary measures to contain Covid-19.

The operation has involved hundreds of workers, supervisors and administrators from federal and local governments.

Spraying will continue and be assessed periodically in line with recommendations from the World Health Organisation.

A statement issued by state news agency Wam, urged the public to continue to stay home from 8pm until 6am the following day, unless absolutely necessary to obtain essential food supplies or medicine, or perform essential jobs in vital sectors.

Those special categories include the energy sector, as well as those working in communication, health, education, security, the police and military.

A long list of jobs and services considered vital extends to include postal and freight services, the pharmaceutical industry and those working in water and food supplies.

The civil aviation sector, airport, passport control, finance, banking and government media sectors are also considered vital services, while exemptions have been made for those working in fuel stations and in construction.

Relevant categories will be verified by the authorities through business cards or ID cards.

Officials said the spray used to disinfect UAE streets is harmless, and poses no threat to the public, animals or the environment.

It contains a diluted hydrogen peroxide, a mild-disinfectant often used to treat minor cuts and burns or as a mouth rinse.

Rigorous testing on the spray was conducted before it was used under approval by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Antimicrobial Chemicals Centre.

The first disinfectant campaign completed by specialist fumigation vehicles and teams of sprayers was due to end on April 4, but that has now been extended further.

Residents in Dubai must obtain a permit if they wish to leave home during the overnight curfew.

Applications for clearance to complete urgent work or buy supplies can be made via Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management website.

Al Ras, one of Dubai's oldest districts in Deira, has been on a two-week lockdown since March 31 under a more focused disinfection programme to aid efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.