Starting today, smoking shisha will be allowed for Dubai residents but with strict precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
“[The] Dubai Municipality has issued precautionary measures to re-open smoking areas and shisha serving centres starting July 18 until further notice, as per the highest international preventive measures. Regular inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
Below is a list of safety measure in shisha establishments (as per Gulf News’ report):
– Staff should wear masks at all times
– Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and common areas at least once every hour and shared objects each time they used (handrails, slides, tubes, lockers, counters, toilets, etc.)
– If anyone of the staff was confirmed positive according to the Covid-19 PCR test by an accredited test facility, they are not to return unless they are granted a medical certificate (clearance certificate) endorsed by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) stating they are discharged from isolation
– Shisha staff must adhere to strict hand washing routine before and after service
– All staff and guests/ trainers/ visitors must go through temperature screening before entering the facility, anyone with temperature more than 37.5 won’t be allowed to enter the facility
– If a stable case of illness is detected among visitors or staff presenting Covid-19 symptoms such as fever more than 37.5-degree Celsius, fatigue, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhoea and nausea, headache, loss of sense of smell or taste, the DHA hotline number 800342 should be contacted by the facilities designated health officer
– The facility must dedicate an isolation room and set procedures to handle Covid-19 suspect/ confirmed cases as well as the disinfection procedures as per DHA/ DM guidelines
– Only disposable shisha hoses must be used
– Clean and disinfect reusable shisha parts including tongs before and after each client
– Wash and disinfect shisha properly and changing its water after each client
– Ensure 2 m distancing measure is maintained throughout the establishment
– Ensure 4.5 sq.m per person inside the smoking room
– No social gatherings or parties allowed
– Groups of five are not allowed at the smoking area
Photo by TripAdvisor
