VIDEO: UAE advises everyone to stay at home over coronavirus outbreak

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE has urged the public to stay at home except in cases of necessity, including getting essential supplies, such as food and medicine, or performing essential jobs.

In a joint statement today, the Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority urged the public to comply with the instructions issued by competent health and security authorities, primarily limiting social contacts and avoiding crowded places to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

"The public is also urged to use their own family cars with a maximum of three individuals per car. They are also advised not to visit public places and maintain social distancing protocols during family gatherings as part of the precautionary measures," added the statement.

The two authorities also urged everyone not to visit hospitals except for critical and emergency cases and to use facemasks.

"Additional instructions will be issued later involving the use of public transport, taxis and other means of transportation," said the statement.

The UAE law on communicable diseases, which includes fines and jail terms, will be enforced against all violators, added the statement.

Sharjah Police urged residents to stay at home, avoid public places, and follow the instructions and directions of the UAE Health Ministry to stem the spread of coronavirus.

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The Police took to the road junctions to inform residents about the seriousness of the situation.

A video of the event is doing the rounds on social media.  

The UAE Cabinet has approved a Dhs16 billion economic stimulus package as part of the Federal Government's additional measures to support the national economy, ensure businesses continuity, and mitigate the coronavirus impact.

The UAE on Friday reported the first two deaths from coronavirus in the country. The total number of infections has reached 153.

The National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management and the Civil Aviation Authority have decided to suspend all inbound and outbound passenger flights and the transit of airline passengers in the UAE for two weeks as part of the precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19.

The decision, which is subject to re-assessment, will take effect in 48 hours.

In a statement today, the CAA said cargo and emergency evacuation flights would be exempt, taking into consideration all the precautionary measures adopted as per the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

"Additional examination and isolation arrangements will be taken later should flights resume in order to ensure the safety of passengers, air crews, and airport personnel and their protection from infection risks," said the statement.