Covid-19: Faced with the rise in cases, Dubai limits public entertainment

The Atlantis The Palm hotel seen from the page of the Sea in Dubai, January 22, 2021. AFP - GIUSEPPE CACACE

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2 min

The Dubai authorities announced this Thursday, January 21, two preventive measures aimed at "guaranteeing public health and safety" of the population.

The number of Covid-19 contaminations in the country has risen sharply since the start of the year.

Even if the wearing of a mask and social distancing are still strictly de rigueur.

The Emirate had until then kept its doors wide open to tourists, attracted by the absence of restrictions and curfews.

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With our correspondent in Dubai,

Nicolas Keraudren 

It's a wake-up call.

As life has almost returned to normal in Dubai, local authorities have announced the suspension of some public entertainment.

Even if restaurants and hotels remain open, permits for artistic performances will no longer be issued for an indefinite period.  

At the same time, the Dubai Health Authority asked hospitals to suspend surgeries deemed "

non-essential

 " for

a month 

to " 

prioritize urgent cases 

".  

Hotels frequented as in 2019 

Without establishing a causal link, these decisions are made when the number of new daily positive cases for Covid-19 has almost doubled in the country since the beginning of the year.  

In the pandemic context, the Emirate of Dubai has positioned itself as one of the favorite destinations for international travelers.

Last month, hotel occupancy rates were almost similar to December 2019.   

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Read also: The postponement of the Universal Exhibition is another hard blow for Dubai

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  • United Arab Emirates

  • Coronavirus

  • Tourism

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