Coronavirus: Dubai protects e-commerce supply chain like Amazon, Noon from lockdown

Dubai’s e-commerce supply chain is exempt from restrictions on “commercial activity” in line with the lockdown imposed during the disinfection program aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus, the emirate’s Department of Economic Development (DED) clarified on Twitter on Tuesday.

Commercial activity in Dubai, with notable exemptions including supermarkets and pharmacies, was suspended last month. On Tuesday, the DED announced the suspension was being extended until April 18 in line with the current two-week lockdown due to the disinfection campaign that was initiated on April 4.

The latest announcement clarifies that e-commerce facilities such as warehouses are exempt from the ruling or the requirements to have move permits under the lockdown, allowing businesses such as Noon and Amazon to continue their services.

Read more: Is it time to disinfect mail and packages?

“In line with preventative measures to limit the spread of Corona Virus (Covid-19), The Department of Economic Development in Dubai informs that the warehouses & delivery services supporting e-commerce sector, are considered as an activity under the Supply Chain sector which is exempted from obtaining the move permits,” tweeted DED.

However, the DED added that these services cannot receive customers in person and must take the necessary social distancing and sanitization measures.

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City under lockdown

Restrictions on movement in Dubai have increasingly tightened. On Sunday, the emirate said that permits would now be required for any trip outside the house.

As well as drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in Dubai are required to register for a movement permit during the 24-hour restrictions as part of a nationwide sanitation program, according to an update on the newly launched Dubai permit website.

Walking and cycling have been introduced on Monday among the transport options given for people to click on while applying for permission to go out.

Dubai Police urged people to register for a movement permit on the website https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/permits.

Read more: Do you have to wear a mask? The answers to all your UAE coronavirus questions here