A Dubai fitness centre was shut down due to repeated Covid-19 safety breaches. Three more sports centres were hit with fines for failing to enforce rules regarding physical distancing and the wearing of masks during the latest round of inspections led by the Department of Economic Development, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Sports Council. Three other establishments escaped with a warning during the inspection of sports facilities in the emirate. Authorities said the clamp down on firms flouting Covid-19 regulations was proving a success – with a welcome fall in numbers of offences. Dubai Sports Council called on all clubs, academies and sports and training centres to continue to comply with protocols issued to safeguard public health. Sports facilities are allowed to operate during the pandemic in line with strict safety measures, including the wearing of masks, temperature checks for visitors, extensive cleaning, hygiene and sanitisation procedures. Businesses must also display Covid-19 awareness signage in highly visible areas and maintain records of their members, including names, telephone numbers and dates of visits, to assist if contact tracing becomes necessary. Authorities across the emirate are closely monitoring businesses and leisure spots in an effort to drive down infections. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/health/coronavirus-dubai-police-issues-winter-warning-to-beach-goers-to-abide-by-covid-19-measures-or-face-fines-1.1099041">Dubai Police</a> recently urged members of the public to wear masks, respect distancing rules and not gather in groups of more than five people when visiting beaches. The warning comes during the peak winter season, with public spaces such as beaches and parks expecting an influx of visitors due to the cooler weather.
