FEDERAL EMPLOYEES TO RETURN TO OFFICES BY EARLY NEXT WEEK
▶ Ministries and entities staffed at 30% as Dubai says all government workers will return in June
Almost a third of all federal ministry employees will return to their offices starting from Sunday, it was announced last night.
The decision, however, excludes pregnant women, people with disabilities, individuals with chronic diseases and those who care for children in Grade 9 and below.
The announcement came as the Crown Prince of Dubai announced that all Dubai government employees would return to their workplaces on June 14.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said 50 per cent of staff would return to their offices from Sunday, with the entire workforce following suit two weeks later.
The announcements yesterday came as UAE officials revealed a further 883 cases of coronavirus, bringing the country’s total to 31,969.
Dr Amna Al Dhahak, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health and Prevention, said that the number of cases was the result of social get-togethers, which she urged people to avoid.
“We want to clarify that a large number of cases are due to mixing and gatherings”, she said, and emphasised that everyone “avoid gatherings and crowded places”.
“The next phase requires awareness, precautions and responsibility. Today, we are all responsible.
“Those who think the resumption of activities is an announcement of the end of this pandemic are mistaken.
“Resuming business is very important, but reopening does not mean lifting the precautionary measures, they are here to stay.”
New figures yesterday showed the UAE had conducted 27,540 tests in the previous 24 hours, to follow the 28,000 done the day before.
Officials said a further 389 patients had recovered from the virus while two had died.
As of yesterday, the UAE has recorded 16,371 recoveries and 255 deaths.
Globally, there have now been 5.7 million cases of Covid-19, with 2.4m recoveries and more than 353,000 deaths.
The UAE has so far conducted more than two million tests on residents. Only one patient in more than 15,000 active cases, is understood to be in a serious or critical condition.
Sheikh Hamdan yesterday said: “Today we approved a decision that allows 50 per cent of Dubai government employees to resume work at offices from Sunday, May 31, and 100 per cent from June 14, 2020, as we continue our gradual return to normal life with intensified precautionary measures. Our investments in the future paid off sooner than expected.
“It is reassuring to know we’re heading in the right direction. We’re encouraged to redouble efforts, to accelerate our digital transformation for Dubai to become a model smart city, forever exceeding expectations.”
Dubai eased movement restrictions with the stay-home order now in force from 11pm to 6am while businesses are slowly being allowed to reopen.
Under the more relaxed rules, up to half of staff at Dubai companies are allowed to return to their workplaces and cinemas, gyms and entertainment centres, including ice rinks, have reopened.
Dubai Economy said 50 per cent of employees can be in an office at any time, up from 30 per cent previously.
Non-essential medical services, such as routine trips to the doctor or dentist, are also now allowed.