Coronavirus: PCR tests mandatory to visit Sharjah police stations

New requirement comes into effect from Thursday

The new measures seek to safeguard public health. Pawan Singh / The National

Anyone visiting a Sharjah police station or its happiness centres must show a negative Covid-19 test issued within the past 48 hours.

Authorities said the rule would come into effect from Thursday to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Those who have been vaccinated against coronavirus are exempt from the rule.

Sharjah Police urged members of the public to use online platforms to complete their transactions.

It was also announced that government and semi-government employees who can work from home can do so from Sunday.

Jobs that cannot be delivered fully from outside workplaces can be done from the office on condition that strict safety rules are followed. The capacity of workplaces was reduced to 50 per cent.

The UAE announced a further 3,539 cases on Wednesday. Infections have increased since January alongside the launch of a major UAE-wide vaccination programme.

On Tuesday, Sharjah authorities cut capacity at venues such as malls and beaches and postponed live music events for a month as part of efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Shopping malls will operate at 60 per cent capacity, while public beaches and parks are limited to 70 per cent. Public transport, cinemas, entertainment venues, gyms, private beaches and swimming pools must operate at 50 per cent of their maximum capacity.

Family gatherings and weddings are limited to 10 people and funerals to 20.

Similar rules were introduced across the UAE to stem to increase in infections.

Sharjah's disinfection drive – in pictures