Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi (EP)

Abu Dhabi, Mar 27: As coronavirus cases in the Gulf region have risen beyond 2,600, an overnight curfew is imposed in the UAE for a countrywide disinfection to combat the virus. Restrictions on movement of traffic and people will begin on Thursday and will continue till 8 pm on Sunday. Violators other than essential service workers are likely to be fined. Public transport including trams and metro services will be suspended, private cars, cabs and delivery vehicles will be allowed to operate outside those hours, stated an official.

Dubai directed the private sector to implement remote working for most of the workers on Wednesday except a broad spectrum of businesses. The next day, the UAE government ordered all federal ministries and establishments and the private sector to limit the number of staff in offices to 30 per cent, exempting sectors providing what the government considers to be essential services.

The number of coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia exceeded 1,000 on Thursday, including 112 new infections. Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar also saw more cases taking the total cases in the six Gulf States to over 2,600 with nine deaths. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have taken the most drastic steps imposing partial nationwide curfew and suspending work at most public and private sector establishments. Saudi Arabia has released 250 foreign detainees held on nonviolent immigration and residency offences to contain the spread of the disease. The government crisis committee in Qatar has ordered for closure of all non-vital shops and cafes and entertainment outlets besides restricting the working hours of shops from 6 am to 7 pm.