Abu Dhabi shops have introduced special floor stickers and placards to enable customers practice social distancing as the UAE combats the spread of coronavirus.
In a video posted by the Abu Dhabi government media office, supermarkets and retail outlets have been shown using signboards to help shoppers maintain at least a 1.5-metre distance between them when queuing up at the billing counter.
In a series of Tweets, it highlighted how the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has taken steps to ensure all food establishments in the UAE capital comply with the preventative measures put in place by the government.
Shopping malls and retail businesses in #AbuDhabi have launched an initiative to support social distancing practices at the check-out, placing stickers on the floor to keep at least 1.5 meters distance between people queueing, in line with public health guidelines
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 21, 2020
"Crowding and queues for purchases are to be prevented... E-shopping and home delivery services through digital applications are strongly encouraged," it added on Twitter.
Food outlets have also been told to maintain a record of employee absences and ensure workers are medically fit.
An inspection campaign will be carried out soon and legal action will be taken against violators.