UAE disallows elderly, children inside shopping malls and retail stores as coronavirus precaution

People wearing masks for protection against the coronavirus leave Dubai Mall on April 28, 2020 after the government eased lockdown restrictions. (AFP)
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DUBAI: The UAE has disallowed entry for people over the age of 60 and children younger than 12 from entering shopping malls, cooperative societies and supermarkets as a safety precaution the coronavirus, state news agency WAM has reported.

They are also prohibited from entering retail stores located outside shopping centers, the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said in a in a joint announcement.

“These precautions are in order to ensure their health and safety,” the statement said.

Global health officials have confirmed studies that those in the same age cohorts are at most risk of contracting coronavirus, which has affected over 3.6 million individuals and has resulted into over quarter a million deaths.

In the UAE, total coronavirus infections reached 15,192 as of Tuesday, May 5, while fatalities have risen to 146.

“The decision was made as part of the precautionary measures and restrictions governing the re-opening of shopping malls and commercial centers in the UAE,” WAM reported.