Supplied photo
The DED-Ajman called on establishments to adhere to the specified conditions.
Published: Sun 26 Apr 2020, 1:17 PM
The Department of Economic Development-Ajman (DED-Ajman) has spelt out certain conditions and requirements for establishments as it considers reopening some businesses while adhering to the precautionary measures put in place to contain Covid-19. The businesses that could be reopened include malls, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and various offices in the emirate. The department will soon officially announce the date of the reopening of these businesses.
An official said the reopening decision has been taken following visits carried out in the malls and commercial outlets by a team of inspection department headed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman of DED-Ajman.
He pointed that after the inspection tours, the department decided to consider resuming some of the business activities which are vital for providing basic needs to the residents during the holly month of Ramadan. DED-Ajman has identified a number of controls and requirements to reopen these businesses and issued guidelines and protocols to carry them out, he pointed out.
The official said that the reopening will also include activities related to foodstuff trade, tailoring and embroidery, automotive repair, maintenance, and spare parts trading services, men's salons and general trade.
503 violations found during 14,000 inspections
He pointed out that the department conducted more than 14,000 inspections and 503 establishments were issued fines and warnings in the first quarter of the current year in various areas of the emirate.
Al Nuaimi took part in the inspections carried out on Thursday to ensure the facilities' adherence to the instructions and circulars recently issued by the department. "During the visit, the department's chairman inspected the prices, the quality of the goods offered, and the inventory, and he also met a number of consumers," the official added.
Quoting Al Nuaimi, the official said: "To ensure protection and safety is a common responsibility as the exceptional circumstances caused by coronavirus pandemic requires the cooperation of everyone. It is also a test of the active partnership between the public and private sectors for achieving a common goal. Ensuring the rights of all parties, especially investors and consumers, and safety of the citizens is paramount.
The government and leadership is aware of the impact of the crisis on the owners of different entities and enterprises, as it is striving to curb the spread of the pandemic. It has launched a slew of incentives, including postponing the payment of the due fines until the end of the current year for all entities, and suspending the calculation of delayed penalties."
Ali Eissa Al Nuaimi, director-general of DED-Ajman, said: "The department organises field inspections within the markets on a periodic basis. It has set forth a comprehensive plan for the strict control of the points of sale during the holy month to detect any exploitation by the merchants, and to ensure quality of life and proper welfare of the members of the society."