The Latest: Dubai to restrict nightlife amid virus increase

People wearing masks for protection against COVID-19 are backdropped by a large poster of Nicusor Dan, candidate for mayor in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. Exit polls place Nicusor Dan, the mayor candidate backed by the USR-PLUS Alliance and the ruling Liberal Party, ahead of the incumbent mayor of the Romanian capital, Gabriela Firea, backed by the Social Democratic Party in local elections. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai has announced new restrictions on nightlife to curb a rising tide of coronavirus infections.

Dubai’s tourism authorities have ordered all bars and restaurants in the city-state to stop serving and halt “entertainment activities” at 1 am Hotels will be restricted by law to offering only delivery and room service after 3 am.

Authorities urged dining and drinking establishments to adhere to anti-virus protocols or face “consequential procedures and violations,” including shutdowns and huge fines.

The new rules are the first since restaurants and bars were allowed to reopen in July as Dubai, a top travel destination known for its lively nightlife, emerged from lockdown.

The United Arab Emirates has recorded more than 90,600 infections since the pandemic began, including over 400 deaths. Daily new infection rates are now climbing to heights last seen four months ago.

By The Associated Press

People wearing masks for protection against COVID-19 are backdropped by a large poster of Nicusor Dan, candidate for mayor in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, September 27, 2020. Exit polls place Nicusor Dan, the mayor candidate backed by the USR-PLUS Alliance and the ruling Liberal Party, ahead of the incumbent mayor of the Romanian capital, Gabriela Firea, backed by the Social Democratic Party in local elections. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)