Dubai reopens swimming pools
Dubai reopens swimming pools

Dubai Reopens Swimming Pools, Resumes Water Sports Activities

Dubai- Masaader News

Dubai has allowed the reopening of pools and the resumption of water sports activities as authorities continue easing coronavirus restrictions, according to a statement issued by the Dubai Sports Council on Friday, according to alarabiya.net

The mandate, based on the directives of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, is limited to hotel establishments, health club and gyms, recreation clubs as well as residential and commercial facilities. However, individuals, groups and businesses must adhere to a detailed list of preventative measures issued, according to the statement.

Individuals will have their temperatures checked before entry and are required to maintain social distancing by keeping at least a two-meter distance from others at all times. Sunbeds and loungers must be placed with a two-meter distance between them. A four-meter distance should be kept between larger groups of up to five people.

Shower facilities, lockers and changing rooms have also been permitted to reopen given they are cleaned and sanitized after every use, or once every hour, according to the statement. Establishments are not allowed to provide towels for visitors.

“If the operators are unable to maintain the strict cleaning and sanitization regimes, and social distancing rules then these facilities must be closed,” the statement read.

Pool staff are required to maintain a capacity of one person per four square meters in the pool, and they must enforce social distancing rules at all times.

The United Arab Emirates slowly began lifting restrictions in recent weeks following 24-hour cufews that were part of a national disinfection program.

Last week, Dubai allowed shopping malls and private sector businesses to operate at full capacity.

In May, authorities allowed Dubai hotel beaches and outdoor tourism and sports activities for groups of five people or less following a period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restaurants and shops have also been allowed to operate but only with a 30 percent capacity in order to maintain social distancing. Parking spaces available at malls were reduced to a 25 percent availability to limit the possibility of overcrowding. Beauty salons are allowed to operate but on an appointment basis only, offering only hair and nail services.

Children under the age of 12 and adults over 60, as well as those who have preexisting conditions are not allowed to visit any public places or businesses for their own safety.