Coronavirus: community pools in Dubai closed as part of safety measures

Many residential amenities including gyms and parks will be closed until further notice

A number of community pools in residential areas in Dubai have been closed off to tenants until further notice. Courtesy: Canal Residence West resident 

Some community pools in Dubai have been closed to the public in a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Building management in several residential communities in the emirate fixed notices in common areas alerting residents to the decision.

The move came as authorities in the country announced the temporary closure of various popular visitor hot spots in the Emirates, including cinemas, gyms and theme parks.

On Monday, maintenance staff at Canal Residence West, a multi-tower complex in Dubai Sports City, covered over five community pools to prevent people from using the facilities.

"In line with the overall preventive measures put in place by federal and local authorities to ensure the highest standards of sanitation, health and safety protocols for the residents of the UAE, the common area facilities in Canal Residence West will be closed starting March 16, 2020, until further notice," the Sports City Owners Association Management Services (SOAMS) said in a statement to The National.

In alerts sent to the residents of The Springs, The Greens and Arabian Ranches neighbourhoods in Dubai, Emaar Community Management said swimming pools, parks and fitness facilities would be closed.

“As part of local and international measures to safeguard public health and safety, we would like to inform you that all community amenities will be closed effective March 15 until further notice,” the notice said.

“Our housekeeping teams will continue to sanitise all common areas, community amenities, structures and fixtures as per Dubai Municipality sanitation standards.”

With more than 6,000 townhouses, apartments and villas and more than 15 pools spread across the three popular districts, Emaar also said that all “active reservations at community amenities” would be cancelled too.

The areas are often used for group gatherings to celebrate birthdays and host barbecues, among others.

Along Al Qudra road in Dubai, the recently-opened Town Square community also sealed off all communal pools in the area until further notice.

In a post on its website, the developer, Nshama, said the decision was made in line with precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of visitors.

In addition, the Wave Rider surfing machine, located within the community's recreational park, was shut off.

Many other residential buildings across the city posted notices in lifts and reception areas alerting homeowners and tenants of temporary pool and gym closures including The Bridge Tower and The Matrix Tower in Dubai Sports City and Dubai Marina Towers.

In a separate move, all playgrounds within Dubai’s JLT neighbourhood have been closed to the public until further notice.

On Saturday afternoon, visitors to parks in clusters O, Q and E were asked to vacate the outdoor children's play areas in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Security staff from Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the freezone company which manages the popular business and residential district, placed notices at park entrances informing the public of the temporary closure.

“In response to the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19), all playgrounds within JLT will be closed until further notice,” it read.

“This is a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of the community. Thanks for your cooperation.”

JLT resident and dad-of-two, Vip Patel, said he was asked to leave the park with his children at the weekend.

“From about 3pm security were going around all the children’s play areas putting up signs saying those specific areas were being closed,” he said.

“I was walking around and saw three playgrounds [nearby], all of them closed.

“It looks like we’re going to need to get creative at home to keep the kids entertained.”

Over the past few days, many public areas across Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been closed off to visitors including beaches, spas and amusement parks.

Officials from the Department of Economic Development in both emirates said the aim was to limit gatherings that “may be the cause of the transmission of infection” of the virus.

On Sunday, the UAE confirmed 12 new cases of coronavirus infection. The latest positive tests take the total number of cases in the country to 98. Twenty-six people have recovered.