Abu Dhabi issues guidelines for reopening restaurants, lounges and bars in hotels

With the UAE gradually reopening businesses across the country, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued a list of guidelines for reopening restaurants, lounges and bars in hotels in the emirate.

“Resuming operation approvals shall be granted” upon the completion of the requirements, a circular said.

Some of the requirements include testing all staff for Covid-19, installing thermal cameras and ensuring social distancing protocols are adhered to.

Hotels and tourism establishments will be inspected by DCT Abu Dhabi’s inspectors to verify compliance. Legal action will be taken against offenders, it added.

Also read: Abu Dhabi mall employees to be tested for Covid-19; new guidelines for customers visiting shopping centres

General measurements:

* Operating hours to be from 6am until 9pm

* Sterilise and clean facilities on a regular basis, especially high touch points. Restrooms to be cleaned after individual usage

* Provide hand sanitisers at the facility entrance

* Define clear and separate entry and exit points and ensure the facility has thermal cameras installed within the space. Entry shall be denied for those with high temperature, including staff, visitors and contractors. Ensure the integration of cameras with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority system.

* Have an isolation room for suspected Covid-19 cases and ensure a medical team is available and on standby throughout operating hours

* All visitors are mandated to wear masks at all times. Non-compliance will lead to refusal of entry

* Perform ongoing and regular sanitation of tables, surfaces and chairs with 75 per cent alcohol disinfectant solution after each customer leaves, and use only disposable utensils

* Ensure availability of dedicated cleaners in restrooms

* Encourage customers to use smart payments as a preferred method to reduce contact and contamination, although cash payments can be accepted. Ensure the installation of hand sanitisers at payment counters

* Suspend all valet parking services during this period

* The supply chain to be handled carefully to ensure the highest standards of hygiene – from offloading trucks to facilities storage

Social distancing and crowd control measurements:

* Social distancing marking should be clearly defined on the floors and escalator. Provide dedicated elevators for people of determination with the capacity for only two persons.

* For seating and table arrangements, only four persons are allowed on each table ensuring 2.5 metre distance between tables.

* Only accommodate visitors for up to 30 per cent of the facility’s total capacity

* Facilities advised to hang red tag at the front door, indicating that the maximum number of customers allowed are inside

* No entertainment activities of any kind to be performed within the premises

* Have clear communication that visitors are allowed to stay at the facility for a maximum of three hours

* Disable any touch screens available within the facility

Working employees measurements:

* All employees should undergo Covid-19 testing prior to reopening, and all employees to have a Covid-19 test on bi-weekly basis. Results should be sent to the authorities

* Employees can only resume working after receiving negative results

* Provide DCT Abu Dhabi with employee details for all restaurants, lounges and bars in the hotel including names, mobile numbers and job titles. The details have to be provided latest by Thursday, April 30

* All employees should wear gloves and masks and frequently change them

* Perform temperature check for all employees multiple times throughout operating hours

* Employees should be aware of emergency response protocol and guidelines for handling suspected Covid-19 cases

Hygiene assurance and preventive measurements:

* Increase cleaning and sanitising

* Ensure availability of hand sanitsers, gloves and masks at all entry/ exit points and inside the premises

* Provide leaflets with preventive, health and safety guidelines in different languages within the facilities