Coronavirus: Over 60s and children under 12 barred from UAE supermarkets and malls

Retailers across the country were told not to allow 'at-risk' age groups access

People wearing protective face masks shop at Dubai Mall after the UAE government eased restriction measures and allowed stores to open. Reuters

A man wearing a protective face mask walks at Dubai Mall after the UAE government eased restriction measures and allowed stores to open. Reuters

People walk outside Dubai mall after the UAE government eased restriction measures and allowed stores to open. Reuters

People wearing protective face masks order food as they keep social distancing at the food court in Dubai Mall. Reuters

People wearing protective face masks and gloves shop at Dubai Mall on May 3, 2020. Reuters

People eat in the food court at Dubai Mall on May 3, 2020. Reuters

Shoppers wearing protective face mask to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Shoppers wear protective face masks at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

People standing in a queue and wearing protective face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus outside the Carrefour Hypermarket at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Shoppers wearing protective face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Young children and over-60s will not be allowed to enter malls, supermarkets or shops in the UAE to help limit the spread of Covid-19.

The federal crisis authority clarified earlier rules that had varied between the emirates.

The nationwide decision affects all children under the age of 12.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said the ruling covered all "shopping malls, cooperative societies, and supermarkets".

"They are also prohibited from entering retail stores located outside shopping centres," officials said.

"These precautions are in order to ensure their health and safety."

Dubai had previously barred children aged 3 to 12 and adults over 60 from shopping malls specifically.

Abu Dhabi shopping centres had denied entry to those aged over 60 but not children.

The government has set out various fines for members of the public and retailers who ignore such rules.

The UAE’s malls reopened last week with restrictions to limit the number of customers to 30 per cent of their usual capacity.

Any resident leaving home must wear a mask and must ensure it remains on wherever they go.

They must maintain a safe distance from each other and expect to have their temperature checked at mall entrances.

In Dubai, children were initially barred from exercising outside, but the authorities later said they “may accompany their parents to walk in their neighbourhood for 1-2 hours, so long as they are taking the right precautions... limiting the number to three people only and wearing face masks,” said Dubai Media Office.

The UAE has relaxed some of the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of Covid-19, although the rules on what is now permitted can vary between the emirates.

People must remain indoors between 10pm and 6am but can leave their homes to shop and outside of those times.