Dubai salons, malls, small restaurants reopen

Shopping malls in Dubai reopened on Sunday, a month after they were shut down in an effort to control the spread of the new coronavirus

Over the weekend, and coinciding with the first day of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan, Dubai eased a 24-hour curfew allowing people to be outside for necessities or to exercise.

Along with the lifting of movement restrictions, malls and some restaurants and cafes were reopened, but allowed to operate at only 30% capacity, and public transport started running again

People flocked to the Mall of the Emirates donning face masks and gloves. Each customer's temperature was taken before entering the mall, gloves were handed out, and stickers on the floor marking the distance at which people should stand were visible.

But the coronavirus measures that remain in place are still stringent - there's an overnight curfew from 10 pm to 6 am.

The United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is part, has reported 10,349 virus cases and 76 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.