ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates announced on Wednesday the end of the national sterilization program, allowing the movement of individuals throughout the day without restrictions, state news agency WAM reported. During the press briefing on coronavirus development, Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesperson for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, made the announcement. "Children below 12 in age are now allowed to enter commercial centers and restaurants across the emirates," he said. "The National Disinfection Program has completed the sterilization of all utilities nationwide, including means of public transport," he said, adding that sterilization of public and private establishments will continue to ensure public safety. However, public gatherings will remain prohibited, Al Dhaheri said, calling for avoiding family visits, maintaining social distancing norms, and wearing masks and gloves when leaving home. "It is compulsory to follow the three-passenger limit per vehicle if not from the same family. However, members of the same family are allowed to travel in the same vehicle," he continued. Al Dhaheri warned against violating the preventive and precautionary measures affirming that legal action will be taken against any violators in order to ensure public safety. He urged all media outlets to continue their constructive role in nation-building and to shed light on the importance of complying with all COVID-19 countermeasures in support of the efforts made to survive the crisis.
