Dubai’s nighttime curfew has been extended to all day and all night for two weeks, subject to renewal, as the city continues its sanitation program to counter the spread of coronavirus, according to an announcement by the emirate’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.
Since late March, the emirate has imposed strict restrictions on movement between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as it seeks to sterilize the city. Starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday, the curfew will now apply at all times, with stricter restrictions on movement imposed.
Members of the public are allowed to go out for essential needs only, such as buying food. Only one family member is permitted to leave the house. The committee added that legal action will be taken against violators.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority announced that its public bus services will be free of charge for individuals permitted to leave their homes during the extended two-week sterilization period. Additionally, Dubai Taxi vehicles & franchised taxis will offer a 50 percent discount.
Meanwhile, the previous 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew – originally set to expire – has been prolonged indefinitely in the rest of the UAE. Only Dubai currently has a 24-hour curfew.
