DUBAI -- Movement in Dubai's Al-Ras area was on Tuesday restricted for two weeks to facilitate intensified disinfection procedures, Dubai Media Office announced, citing the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management. "Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announces increased restrictions on movement in Al Ras area of Dubai for two weeks effective from Tuesday (31 March) to facilitate intensified sterilization procedures," Dubai Media Office tweeted. The UAE announced on Saturday the extension of a nationwide disinfection program to curb the coronavirus outbreak in the country until April 5, urging people to stay home from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Several teams from the Dubai Health Authority will be providing residents in the area with all the essential supplies they need for the two-week period, Dubai Police said. Al-Ras is part of Dubai's old Deira district and borders the Dubai Creek. The area is home to Dubai's souks, a popular area for tourists. Dubai Police urged Al-Ras residents to "cooperate fully with the authorities and abide by all instructions to ensure preventative measures implemented during the two-week period are a success." No one will be allowed to enter the area until the disinfection procedure is completed, Dubai Police added. All entrances leading to Al-Ras from three main roads – which include Al-Musalla street, Al-Khaleej street, and Baniyas street – will be closed. The Al-Ras, Palm Deira, and Baniyas metro stations on the green line will also be shut. Bus routes to Al-Ras will also be diverted and all taxis will be prohibited from entering the area. The UAE on Monday recorded two new deaths over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to five, according to the health ministry. -- Al Arabiya English
