Dubai closes bars, limits actions after virus instances spike

Dubai introduced on Monday it will shut all bars and pubs for the whole month of February and restrict different actions after a spike in coronavirus cases adopted New Yr’s Eve celebrations that drew visitors from world wide. The sheikhdom additionally ordered eating places and cafes to shut by 1 a.m., in addition to instituted crowd limits on cinemas, resorts, malls and different locations. The choice comes after Dubai insisted as not too long ago as final week that “we will confidently say the present scenario is underneath management.”

That was as coronavirus testing services and hospitals got here underneath stress from 17 straight days of report reported every day coronavirus figures throughout the broader United Arab Emirates. The announcement from the federal government’s Dubai Media Workplace blamed “a marked enhance within the variety of violations of precautionary measures” for the choice made by the city-state’s hereditary rulers.

“The measures search to additional improve efforts to fight COVID-19, and shield the well being and security of all residents, residents and guests,” the assertion stated.

Dubai, recognized for its long-haul provider Emirates, the world’s tallest constructing and its seashores and bars, in July grew to become one of many first journey locations to explain itself as open for enterprise. The transfer staunched the bleeding of its essential tourism and actual property sectors after lockdowns and curfews cratered its economic system. As tourism restarted, every day reported coronavirus case numbers slowly grew however largely remained secure by means of the autumn.