People flock to Dubai malls as coronavirus curfew eased

Shopping malls in Dubai reopened on Sunday, a month after they were shut down in an effort to control the spread of the new coronavirus.

Over the weekend, and coinciding with the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Dubai eased a 24-hour curfew, allowing people to go outside to shop for necessities or to exercise.

Along with the lifting of the movement restrictions, public transport started running again and malls and some restaurants and cafes were reopened.

However, they are only allowed to operate at 30% capacity.

Read more: How coronavirus has changed the way Muslims celebrate Ramadan

People flocked to the Mall of the Emirates donning face masks and gloves. Each customer's temperature was taken before entering the mall, gloves were handed out, and stickers on the floor marked the distance at which people should stand.

But the coronavirus measures which remain in place are still stringent – the curfew is still in operation from 10 pm to 6 am.

The United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is part, has reported 10,349 virus cases and 76 deaths. This is the second highest number in the Gulf region after Saudi Arabia.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

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