Abu Dhabi banned all gatherings and shut theaters from Sunday as the United Arab Emirates capital ramps up measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus amid a spike in cases. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved capping operating capacity of commercial, economic and tourism activities, effective Feb. 7, to bolster precautionary measures implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. The committee approved capping operating capacity of shopping malls to 40%, gyms, private beaches and swimming pools to 50%, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, public beaches and parks to 60%, taxis to 45% and buses to 75%. The committee also approved closing all movie theaters and prohibiting parties and gatherings, while limiting the number of people to 10 for marriage ceremonies and family gatherings and 20 for funerals and mourning services. The committee recommended intensifying inspection and monitoring of all sectors to ensure compliance with precautionary measures, and reporting violators to the Attorney-General. Abu Dhabi closed cinemas and banned gatherings and parties, in an attempt to fight the coronavirus. Earlier Sunday, the UAE reported 3,093 new coronavirus cases and seven deaths, as well as 4,678 recoveries. Last week, Abu Dhabi cut attendance at workplace in government and semi-government entities to 30%. Employees with chronic health conditions and those older than 60 were ordered to work remotely. — Agencies
