Coronavirus: 50% of UAE government employees to return to offices

Half of all government employees will return to their offices starting next Sunday.

Office capacity limits will increased to 50 per cent, from 35 per cent, beginning June 7 but measures will remain in place to ensure staff are kept safe.

Authorities announced the change on Wednesday, saying the decision was made after a third of government workers successfully returned to offices last week.

Federal government workers who are immunocompromised, elderly, pregnant or have chronic diseases or a disability are exempt from returning to the office.

Employees who care for children that are in grade 9 and below, or children that require constant care are also permitted to continue working from home.

This week, just over a third of government staff returned to their offices after about two months of working from home.

Some of the measures in place to protect staff include the mandatory use of face masks and gloves as well as a ban on handshakes.

Prayer rooms and shared areas will be closed. Videoconferencing systems should be used for meetings and everyone should wash or sanitise their hands regularly.

Glass barriers should be installed to separate employees and customers and people should remain two metres apart from others at all times.

Before leaving home, Abu Dhabi government employees should check their temperatures and travel in their own car, avoiding public transportation where possible.

Once they arrive at work they will have their temperature taken and a QR (quick response) code scanned on their phone.

No more than two people will be permitted to use a lift at any one time.

Everyone will be encouraged to download the government's Al Hosn app, which displays people’s health status and helps identify people at risk of contracting Covid-19.