Residents in Dubai can leave home to buy groceries or visit pharmacies once every three days, said Dubai Police. As per the emirate's permit website, new restrictions have been introduced on frequency of travel. Under the 'personal' section, individuals who try to apply for a permit to buy essentials, including food and medical supplies, will now be alerted of the new rules. "You can only apply for grocery/pharmacy supplies one time every three days," the new notification said. Another new option has also been added so that people can visit ATMs for cash transactions. According to the updated guidelines, such requests can be submitted once every five days. Prior to this, Dubai Police confirmed that applicants were able to apply for "multiple permits" daily, but said they would be "thoroughly examined but might not necessarily get approved". Dubai residents were informed they would need official permits to leave home during the Nationwide Sterilisation Programme that started on March 26. Initially, movement was restricted from 8pm to 6am in Dubai but this was later extended throughout the day and night. People could obtain a clearance for urgent work, to purchase food and medicine, or attend medical appointments by logging on to a website launched by the emirate's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management. The move was introduced to help contain the spread of Covid-19 and ensure that people abide by social-distancing rules. Anyone found guilty of not following the rule will face fine and legal action.
