Weddings can be held in Sharjah only if they meet specific safety standards designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Last month, the emirate's Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management said that, after a seven-month ban, gatherings, social events and weddings could resume – but with specific regulations in place. These were outlined by Sharjah's Department of Economic Development on Monday. As part of the safety measures, venues must cap their capacity at 50 per cent and the facilities, including tables, chairs and equipment, must be sanitised daily. Employees and visitors must wear face masks and gloves at all times and maintain physical distancing of at least two metres. Everyone will have their temperature checked on arrival at the venue, where hand sanitisers will be set up on each table and across the venue. Venues will be responsible for preventing crowding near toilets and must sanitise them after each use. Salim Al Suwaidi, deputy director of commercial control and protection at the department, said employees must present a negative Covid-19 test result before resuming work. “Venues must provide first aid services and personal protective equipment and dedicate an isolation space for any suspected cases,” he said. Staff members will undergo training on the measures to ensure they are prepared. Health authorities must be notified of any suspected cases of Covid-19 and anyone showing symptoms of sickness should not attend gatherings of any sort. “In addition to that, wedding venues must provide data of all people coming to their facilities to allow health authorises easily track those who were in contact with a suspected case,” Mr Al Suwaidi said.