Coronavirus: Dubai reminds residents to follow safety guidelines ahead of Halloween and Diwali

Diwali decorations and sweets for sale in Bur Dubai ahead of the Festival of Lights in 2019. Antonie Robertson / The National

A shop keeper puts of festive lights outside his business on “Hindi Lane” in Bur Dubai, ahead of Diwali in 2019. Antonie Robertson / The National

Shops sell trinkets and decorations for Diwali, near the Hindu Temple in Bur Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Worshippers pass by shops selling trinkets and decorations for Diwali on on their way to the Hindu Temple in Bur Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Worshippers pass by Hindu shops while on their way to the temple in Bur Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

As the Hindu Festival of Diwali starts in the UAE, devotees flock to the Hindu Temple in Bur Dubai to worship. Adjacent to the Temple is what is commonly referred to “Hindi Lane”, a small corridor of shops selling flowers, offerings and general items for Hindu ceremonies. Antonie Robertson / The National

As the Hindu Festival of Diwali starts in the UAE, devotees flock to the Hindu Temple in Bur Dubai to worship. Adjacent to the Temple is what is commonly referred to “Hindi Lane”, a small corridor of shops selling flowers, offerings and general items for Hindu ceremonies. Antonie Robertson / The National

Authorities in Dubai urged strict adherence to coronavirus safety guidelines as residents gear up to celebrate Halloween, Diwali and other festivals.

Officials of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said residents should follow the precautionary measures that are in place to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Those celebrating should avoid crowded places, maintain social distancing and wear face masks.

The elderly and people with underlying health conditions should not attend social events and gatherings.

Event organisers have been asked to adhere to the rules to avoid penalties.

Last week, the government said parties of up to 30 could meet for weddings in private homes but this does not apply to barbecues and private gatherings.

On Wednesday, the UAE recorded 1,400 Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of cases to 129,024.

A further 2,189 patients beat the virus as the recovery tally climbed to 124,647.

The UAE has conducted more than 12.7 million tests since the outbreak began as part of a mass screening strategy aimed at identifying infections early to limit the spread of the pathogen.

The number of active cases across the country fell to 3,892, due to a recent trend of recoveries exceeding new cases.

Case numbers have remained above 1,000 for all but two days of October, including a record-high of 1,578 on October 22.