UAE: Three-day lockdown scheduled March 26-29 /update 16

Event

The Emirati government has issued a mandatory three-day lockdown from Thursday, March 26, through Sunday, March 29, while it conducts a general sterilization campaign with the aim of controlling the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. The lockdown will begin as of 20:00 (local time) on March 26, and will be lifted at 06:00 on March 29. Public transportation will be suspended during this period. Employees of certain sectors are exempt, including police, the army, medical staff, airports, and banks, among few others. Those who do not respect the lockdown period will face fines or prison time.

Following this period, measures implemented on Wednesday, March 25, closing commercial centers, malls, and open markets for two weeks, will likely resume. Restaurants were ordered to exclusively offer take-out services. In addition, all international flights will be suspended for the same period.

As of Thursday, March 26, there are 333 COVID-19 cases and two associated deaths in the UAE. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.