Coronavirus: fresh warning as more Dubai stores shut down

Staff were found without masks and gloves, and failed to ensure social distancing

Officials said some stores have been slow to get to grips with new trading rules. Chris Whiteoak / The National

More shops have been closed down for failing to adhere to rules on trading during the virus outbreak, Dubai's retail regulator said on Thursday

Nineteen shops were closed, two were fined and 165 others were given warnings during an inspection campaign by Dubai Economy. It said 505 shops were found to be fully compliant with the measures in place to protect public health as shopping centres and businesses begin to reopen.

Inspections were carried out at malls and high-street markets. The logged offences were mostly related to staff not wearing face masks and gloves, failing to maintain social distancing, and opening fitting rooms and offering sales promotions - both of which are currently prohibited because they could encourage a build up of customers.

On Tuesday, 13 retailers were closed, 18 were fined and 211 were given warnings, Dubai Economy said.

Inspectors said offences mostly related to staff not wearing masks and gloves and failing to ensure customers kept their distance from one another.

Officials said inspections were carried out across the city and the closures were in Jumeirah, Deira, Bur Dubai, International City, Satwa and Al Qusais, among other areas.

Dubai Economy reiterated a message to managers that staff must wear masks and gloves, whatever the type of store. Customers must wear masks before leaving their homes but gloves are optional.

On Monday, inspectors closed 26 stores, imposed penalties on 14 and warned a further 234.

And on Sunday the regulator closed down 21 shops, issued warnings to 65, and imposed penalties on seven others.

Separately, the regulator closed 17 barber shops and beauty salons on Sunday after restrictions on trading were lifted on Friday.

Officials did not state how long businesses must remain closed until the ban was lifted.