In the implementation of the directives of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Crisis and Emergency Management to limit the spread of COVID-19, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Cooperation, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Authority for Agriculture and Safety, issued a circular with instructions and instructions to resume the activity of restaurants, cafeterias and cafes outside the commercial centres at the level of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Authority instructions
The list of instructions included 18 conditions for the restoration of activity, namely: the absorptive capacity does not exceed 40%, the examination of all workers to make sure that they are free of the virus, the limitation of visitors to the age group from 12 to 60 years, the commitment to social spacing and leaving a distance of 2.5 meters between the tables, and not more than the number of customers for each table has four people.
The department stressed the importance of using masks and gloves by employees all the time, and customers should use masks during entry and exit, provided that complete and daily sterilization is done for all surfaces, equipment and facilities, sterilizing tables and seats after each use, and cancelling waiting places.
Instructions prohibited the provision of open buffet service, food samples, reception hospitality, and a hookah.
The national sterilization program
The department stipulated that a heat test be conducted for everyone before entering, and preventing the entry of any person showing symptoms of high temperatures. The instructions also stipulated that the operating hours are in line with the hours of the national sterilization program.
The instructions stipulated the use of disposable food utensils, and in the case of thermal dishwashers, the use of utensils of multiple-use in a manner that ensures sterilization at appropriate temperatures, with sterilizers and handwashing at the entrances.
Directions include limiting restaurant capacity to 40 percent, ensuring workers are free of viruses through tests, ensuring a maximum of four people per table, and maintaining a distance of 2.5 meters between tables.
Abu Dhabi Authority Instructions to reopen restaurants & cafes
The guidelines also indicated that:
> Entry is allowed only from 12 to 60 years old. People with chronic diseases are also not admitted.
> All employees must wear face masks and gloves at all times while working.
> Staff should make sure to check staff temperature regularly. Anyone with a high temperature must be refused entry, and any symptomatic employee should be directed to the nearest medical center for examination.
> Buffets, open food deals, food samples, shared appetizers, and hookahs are still prohibited.
> Waiting areas should be closed.
> Establishments should use disposable tableware only.
> Reusable cutlery can only be used if the facility has thermal dishwashers ensuring high-temperature sterilization.
> If food handling is taken to the virus, the facility should be closed.
> Hand sanitizers must be installed at entry points.
> Surfaces and utensils should be disinfected daily, while chairs and tables should be disinfected after each use.
> Toilets should also be sterilized frequently.
> The working hours should be consistent with the schedules of the national sterilization program from 10 pm until 6 am.
