Dubai extends 24-hour disinfection programme

The 24-hour National Disinfection Programme in Dubai has been extended for another week.

According to the emirate's Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management, the decision was taken in light of the success achieved by the initiative.

The 24-hour disinfection drive was launched on April 4 as part of efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.

The Supreme Committee for Crisis & Disaster Management in Dubai announces the extension of the 24-hour National Sterilisation Programme for a further week, in light of the success achieved by the initiative, in place since April 4, in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/LcHXxSCmOX

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 17, 2020

An assessment showed that the movement restrictions over the last two weeks contributed significantly to reducing the spread of the virus.

The measures also made it easier to track infected cases, and isolate and quarantine them.

Authorities confirmed that the move permit system will continue to be in place during the extended sterilisation period.

Teams from Dubai Police are doing their best to issue the permits as quickly as possible.

The movement permit system will continue to be in place during the extended sterilisation period, the Committee confirmed. Concerned teams from Dubai Police are working at their fullest capacity to issue movement permits speedily.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 17, 2020

Vital sectors and essential services will remain exempt from the restrictions as per the previous directives, with few amendments based on an assessment of the results of measures implemented in the last two weeks.

The Committee thanked citizens and residents for their cooperation and compliance with the preventive measures.

It has urged everyone to stay at home and go out only when it is absolutely necessary.

Anyone violating the restrictions will face legal action, the Committee cautioned.