The temporary ban on bars extends to restaurants and lounges The week has already seen a number of cloures including gyms DUBAI: Bars, pubs and lounges in Dubai have been ordered to close immediately until the end of March amid coronavirus concerns, the emirate’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing announced on Monday. The announcement on Sunday, came the day after the Dubai Department of Economic Development instructed all cinemas, theme parks, amusement and electronic game centers, gyms and spring camps licensed in Dubai to halt all their activities and services until end of the month. “Dubai Tourism will continuously evaluate the situation in coordination with the health authorities,” The statement added. Dubai Municipality has also instructed salons and personal care centers to close waiting room facilities, in a bid to limit the number of people inside the premises. Businesses have also been instructed to remove all reading material and only serve drinks in disposable paper cups. The instruction also advises that customers with flu symptoms should be turned away and staff should wear face masks Inspections will be carried out to ensure compliance with the face mask rules. Meanwhile Dubai’s Global Village also announced the early closure of its 2019-2020 season. “In line with ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, Global Village has announced the early closure of its 2019-2020 season with immediate effect. Global Village looks forward to welcoming visitors for its next season,” the Dubai Media Office said in a tweet. Authorities in the capital Abu Dhabi also took similar measures and closed down the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al-Watan, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World and Manarat Al-Saadiyat.