Coronavirus: Capacity cap on Abu Dhabi private companies raised to 60%

Safety measures remain in place to protect staff and prevent the spread of the virus

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Hotel with updated Covid-19 precautionary measures. A distance sign at the check-in area of the hotel. Victor Besa / The National

Labourers working at one of the construction site during the sunset in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National)

A man wearing a protective mask is seen shopping in Ibn Batutta mall. Pawan Singh / The National

People wearing a protective face mask on the Abra in Dubai Creek in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Bus commuters at downtown Abu Dhabi heading home during rush hour. Victor Besa / The National

One of the guests at the Towers Rotana hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Two thirds of private sector staff in Abu Dhabi can now return to their offices, authorities announced on Monday.

The emirate's Department of Economic Development said the decision to increase capacity limits to 60 per cent was made to "ensure business continuity while maintaining workplace health and safety."

The department said safety measures must be implemented in workplaces, including daily temperature checks, physical distancing, wearing face masks and gloves and exempting employees with "high-risk" status from working in the office.

Other measures include closing all social areas, regularly sanitising frequently touched areas and installing floor signs to remind staff to stay at least two metres apart.

Temperatures checks will be carried out on entry and anyone showing signs of fever or other virus symptoms will be denied access to the office. Anyone displaying symptoms must be reported to the Department of Health for a medical check-up and potential testing.

Staff who have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or elderly can continue to work from home, for their safety.

Inspection teams will conduct regular field visits to ensure compliance.

All UAE government workers returned to their offices this month, after months of working from home to prevent the spread of Covid-19