In line with the ongoing efforts to gradually resume economic and activities across the UAE, the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) recently announced the reopening of wedding and event halls for celebratory occasions while adhering to precautionary measures issued to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SEDD also issued a circular explaining the conditions and other articles related to the reopening of event halls in the emirate.

The decision has been taken to ensure the continuity of business activities such that sustainable development can be achieved while preserving the health and safety of the community amid the pandemic circumstances.

Responding to the development, Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Commercial Control and Protection Department at the SEDD, asserted that the reopening of these economic sectors will take place in line with precautionary measures and standards mentioned in the circular. He added that SEDD commercial officers will work in cooperation with local authorities to ensure that business establishments comply with the precautionary measures including wearing face masks and gloves, following social distancing within two metres and maintaining the attendance level at the events at 50 percent of the venue’s capacity.

Employees are also mandated to comply with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention including regular washing of hands, obtaining negative COVID-19 test results from accredited laboratories and informing the health authorities about any suspected cases at a venue.

Al Suwaidi added that event halls are required to provide first aid services and personal protective equipment, in addition to a space dedicated for isolating suspected cases, if required. They are also required to make arrangements for transportation to a healthcare facility in case of any infection. He further affirmed that individuals with Coronavirus symptoms, including a cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, fever exceeding 37.5 degrees, should not be allowed to enter an establishment.

The SEDD stressed on following additional precautionary and preventive measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including disinfecting every venue before and after weddings or events, frequent sterilisation of commonly used items such as tables, chairs, appliances, equipment, electrical and electronic switches, door handles and remote controls. Furthermore, toilets must be properly cleaned and sanitised after each use, and hand sanitiser dispensers must be installed at various points.

Establishments are required to circulate instructions related to precautionary measures through posters or electrical boards around the venues.

Establishments must regularly clean and disinfect offices, workplaces and equipment as well as other surfaces that are subject to frequent contact. Every event personnel must wear personal protective equipment including face masks and gloves while performing their duties. Uniforms of staff members must be sterilised before and after use. In addition, employees in the food and beverage service department are required to wear appropriate uniforms and single-use masks and gloves and their hair must be covered by caps at all times.

WAM