DUBAI: Dubai announced on Thursday it would ease coronavirus curfew restrictions. Residents will have to stay home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. instead of the 24-hour lockdown that has been in place for several weeks. The changes will come into effect on Friday - the first day of Ramadan, Dubai Media Office said. The decision was made after the emirate’s officials “carefully evaluated” the results of preventive measures taken during the past three weeks, including the national sterilization program. The government stressed the need for all citizens and residents in Dubai to abide by preventative measures including wearing masks and avoiding all gathering outside their homes. The fine for not wearing a mask outside the home is AED1,000. Ramadan gatherings should not be held at home or in public places. Those sectors of Dubai"s economy that have resumed work will operate at 30 percent of their capacity. Dubai’s metro, public buses and taxi services will also resume operation on Sunday, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced. Passengers will have to observe social distancing measures and wear face masks. Only two passengers can travel in the back of a taxi.