Ajman eases restrictions on malls, restaurants and other businesses for Ramadan

Businesses to partially reopen under new guidelines that outline social and commercial changes to Covid-19 measures

Al Rashidiya area of Ajman pictured from the emirate's fish market. Reem Mohammed / The National

Ajman will lift restrictions on malls, restaurants cafes and other businesses for the duration of Ramadan.

The emirate had measures in place to stop public gatherings and prevent the spread of Covid-19 but these will be lifted – with conditions – to allow people to "secure essentials".

The Department of Economic Development on Saturday issued a list of guidelines for "reopening economic activities" while still protecting public safety.

The conditions include the mandatory use of face masks and optional use of gloves by anyone who leaves their home. Those who do go out, are also limited to four hours outside their home and must maintain a distance of two metres from others.

Gatherings of more than 10 people in homes are prohibited.

Shopping centres can open as of April 28 from 12pm to 10pm daily but only 30 per cent of the shops in the malls can be open at one time. Similarly, those shops, restaurants and cafes cannot exceed 30 per cent customer capacity.

Buffets and shisha cafes are still banned from opening and all restaurants and cafes must provide only disposable tableware to their customers. Cinemas, other attractions and changing rooms must remain closed.

Gathering for religious reasons including for prayer is still prohibited and prayer rooms cannot reopen in public areas.

No food should be directly donated to provided to anyone outside the family, unless organised through a licensed authority.

People are allowed to exercise outdoors either individually or with one other family member but this must be near their home and for only one hour per day. Group exercises are not allowed.

Salons can reopen but only offer hairdressing and nail clipping, according to the department, which said salons would also be expected to sanitise all equipment after each use and appropriately protect their staff.

Companies can reopen their offices but cannot exceed more than 30 per cent of their staff in the workplace. The rest should continue to work remotely. Priority to resume work in offices is given to employees who live in Ajman. Meetings or gatherings of more than five people are prohibited and offices cannot be open for longer than eight hours per day.

The disinfection drive will continue every evening from 10pm to 6am, when no one is allowed to leave their home – except in case of absolute necessity.