Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

All the employees of the government departments are back to their workplace.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA welcomed the move and said, “The UAE has shown itself to be a global role model for dealing with the COVID-19 novel coronavirus thanks to the vision and directives of our wise leadership. The current global crisis has underlined the resilience of the economic system of Dubai and the UAE, and its ability to deal with all emergencies and crises effectively and competently. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has implemented the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and the decision by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, regarding the gradual return of Dubai Government employees to their workplace.”

“The gradual return of our employees to their workplace started on 31 May 2020. On 14 June 2020, all employees will return to work in line with the guidelines issued by Dubai Government Human Resources Department. Nonetheless, we continue to use smart and innovative solutions as well as technological tools in the work system,” he added.

He further said, “We put the health and safety of customers and employees at the top of our priorities. The measures taken by Dewa will contribute to supporting the psychological health of employees returning to work and enhance their sense of safety and security. All Dewa’s facilities have been prepared to ensure the highest standards of health and safety by implementing all preventive measures to protect the health and safety of customers, employees and society as a whole. The measures include the continuous sterilisation of Dewa’s facilities; providing disinfectants, hand sanitisers, face masks and gloves; installing thermal cameras in all facilities; and implementing flexible working hours to limit congestion when entering or leaving. There are different entry and exit points to keep a safe distance. We are also informing customers and staff about precautionary measures. Dewa has an agreement with specialised health facilities to conduct COVID-19 tests and allocate special rooms for quarantine at Dewa’s facilities in case any of the employees show symptoms. In addition, contractors are checking their workers, engineers, and staff at their sites to prevent any infection to Dewa’s supervisors and engineers. Dewa also provides a helpline for its staff for psychological support, in cooperation with specialists and psychologists.