Coronavirus: UAE government workers to return to offices next month

Exceptions will be made for employees who have chronic illnesses

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All public sector workers in the UAE will return to their offices by Sunday, July 5, authorities announced on Monday.

Capacity limits at government workplaces across all emirates but Dubai were set at 50 per cent from June 7, after months of employees working from home to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

All government workers in Dubai returned to their offices in late May.

On Monday, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said exceptions would be made for employees who have chronic illnesses. These employees must submit a certified medical report to continue working from home.

No other category of worker will be exempt from returning to the office, the authority said.

The Authority said the move represented "an important step that contributes to achieving the UAE strategy for a post-Covid-19 situation."

Safety measures will also be in place to ensure staff are protected, including social distancing and flexible working hours to avoid gatherings.

A remote work system, approved by the federal government, will also be used to ensure productivity and uninterrupted workflow.

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

Prayer rooms and shared areas will be closed. Video conferences should replace meetings and everyone should wash or sanitise their hands regularly.

Glass barriers should be installed to separate employees and customers, and people should always remain two metres apart.

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

When they arrive at work they will have their temperature taken and a QR code scanned on their phone.

No more than two people will be allowed to use a lift at a time.

Everyone will be encouraged to download the government's AlHosn app, which helps trace people who have been in contact with a coronavirus carrier.

On Monday, Ajman separately announced that 75 per cent of its government employees would return to offices from Wednesday, July 1.

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