Abu Dhabi - Cooperative societies, grocery stores, supermarkets and pharmacies to operate 24 hours a day.
Published: Thu 23 Apr 2020, 6:48 PM
Updated: Fri 24 Apr 2020, 1:06 AM
On the occasion of the holy of Ramadan, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ministry of Interior and the National Authority for Emergency and Disaster Management revised the timings for the National Sterilisation Programme in UAE during Ramadan.
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The decision was taken to facilitate the citizens and residents durin the holy month of Ramadan. The programme will run from 10pm to 6am instead of the previously announced 8pm in the evening to 6am.
Also read: Dubai to revise 24-hour sterilisation timings for Ramadan
Food outlets, cooperative societies, groceries, supermarkets, and pharmacies will continue to be allowed to operate for 24 hours during Ramadan.
Fish, meat, vegetable and fruit shops, mills, roasteries, slaughterhouses, nuts, pastry, and chocolate shops, as well as tea and coffee trading shops, will be allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm.
The Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority stressed that the outlets allowed to operate should adhere to all health and safety guidelines issued by the relevant authorities. These include not allowing customers beyond 30 per cent of the total capacity, maintaining a distance of at least two metres between two customers, and avoiding any type of crowding in order to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Authorities called upon all members of the public to fully comply with the revised timings in the interest of the greater good of the country and its citizens, residents, and visitors.
They also called upon the public to comply with all precautionary and preventative measures, such as not leaving the home except to buy food or medicine or to obtain medical care or work in vital sectors previously identified by the relevant authorities.
The public should take into consideration official medical advice, as well as the directives issued by the UAE Fatwa Council, particularly on performing prayers at home and treating health and safety precautions as a national and religious obligation.
The authorities also stressed the need to avoid public gatherings, family visits, and group Iftar feasts during the blessed month of Ramadan to ensure the health and safety of all. They also called upon the public to practice social distancing, wear face masks and gloves while going out, and adhere to all other precautionary measures