AR
UR
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has allowed all cinemas across the UAE to operate at full capacity from Monday.
For more than 18 months, UAE authorities have imposed capacity restrictions on cinemas in the country with the aim of limiting the spread of the virus.
The NCEMA also asked each emirate to amend or tighten safety rules for cinemas in accordance with the COVID-19 situation in the region.
Furthermore, other safety measures, including wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing in indoor and outdoor public places, continue to remain in place.
After resumption of services in 2020, cinemas operated with strict capacity limits to ensure the implementation of social distancing. Later, the seating capacity was increased from 30 percent in 2020 to 80 percent by late 2021 in view of reducing COVID-19 infections in the country.
Rashid Al Nuaimi, executive director of the Media Regulatory Office of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, hailed the UAE's proactive response against the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting the health and wellbeing of all community members.
“The decision to raise capacity in cinemas follows the success of the efforts of the UAE government agencies in combating the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
He underlined that relevant agencies imposed strict precautionary measures and the community showed continuous adherence to those rules. These efforts helped in reducing the spread of the virus and enhanced safety of all community members.
He further stressed the importance of continuing compliance with preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus, such as mandatory wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings.
The UAE authorities continue to lift COVID-19 restrictions on various events and activities after recording lower infection rates.
Earlier this month, authorities began gradual lifting capacity limits at shopping centres and other public places. They will continue to do so throughout the month of February.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged community members to continue wearing face masks when out and about.
So far, the UAE health sector has vaccinated nearly 95 percent of people with two doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines. At the same time, the authorities are ensuring the administration of booster vaccine doses to eligible people.
SOURCE: The National News