Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAKDED) has issued circulars today outlining a series of requirements and procedures for reopening restaurants, cafés and gyms in the Emirate, each of which will be allowed to resume operations as of Tuesday, June 3, 2020, provided they meet certain requirements.

These measures are in line with precautions undertaken to ensure the health and safety of customers while ensuring business continuity and maintaining RAK’s sustainable development.

Prevention and Hygiene Requirements

RAKDED Circular No. (18) for the Year 2020 urges all restaurants and cafés to conduct COVID-19  examinations onall employees to ensure they are negative, sending any staff members who have developed respiratory symptoms home and committing them to seek medical attention immediately. Employees are required to wear protective masks and gloves as a precautionary measure, while customers are encouraged to do the same. Staff members and customers with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius should be denied entry. 

The circular called for shisha to be prohibitedinthe first phase of implementation – a requirement that will be re-evaluated in the future in accordance with the directives of health authorities in the UAE. Comprehensive and periodic sanitization must be conducted, in addition to disinfecting equipment each morning, evening and whenever necessary, while recording all such operations.

Operational Capacity

Establishments are permitted to welcome customers up to50% of its maximum capacity. It is necessary to create spacing, interfaces and borders between tables to prevent mixing and crowding, with 2 meters between each table. Only four people are allowed per table. If there is a larger number, the tables that fit the number will be combined and spacing created between seats.

Serving Food

All food and beverages must be served in disposable, single-use Styrofoam containers, utensils and/or cups. It is advisable to serve food in single-sized portions intended mainly for one customer to avoid sharing plates as much as possible.

Other Solutions

The circular called on restaurants and cafés to encourage e-payment solutions and credit cards to avoid the use of cash, as well as to provide hand sanitization essentials across the entire establishment, including on every table, which should be disinfected immediately after customers leave. Self-service tables and open buffets are to be avoided, and F&B outlets are required to abide by the working hours set for operating food establishments.

Preparations for Reopening Gyms

RAKDEDhas issued another circular outlining the requirements and procedures for reopening gyms in Ras Al Khaimah.

Prevention and Hygiene Procedures Before Entering the Gym

The circular stresses the need to test all staff at the facility for COVID-19 and ensure that each of them wear protective masks and gloves as a precautionary measure to prevent transmission. It also calls for workers and visitors toabide by all prevention instructions, while temperatures of all employees and patrons must be taken on arrival, denying entry to anyone recording a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius.

After Entering the Gym

Seating and waiting areas must remainclosed,while the main hall of the gym and all equipment should be sanitized periodically. Equipment should be placed two meters apart and direct physical contact between gym attendees should be avoided. Moreover, patrons are required to wear masks and gloves whenever possible, and the gym should provide hand sanitizers in all common areas.Facilities are only allowed to utilize up to 50% of their maximum capacity and jacuzzis, swimming pools, massage facilities and saunas must be periodically disinfected.

The two circulars urged all parties to abide by these regulations and procedures and take them seriously, noting that RAKDED will be conducting periodic inspections to assess compliance and take the necessary measures in order to ensure public health and safety, as well as business continuity.

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