The UAE on Saturday, February 26, eased several Covid-19 restrictions, having been at the forefront of vaccinations in the MENA region.
According to the official Emirates News Agency, the country’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with its main partners, announced the changes, that took effect on Saturday.
The authority said mask-wearing is now mandatory in public indoor spaces but optional outdoors.
It also canceled the quarantine requirements for Covid-19 contacts.
Covid-19 contacts working in all state sectors now have to conduct a PCR test daily for five days, said the authority.
It added that the isolation protocol for the infected would continue as previously announced, without any change. The infected, however, would no longer wear wristbands.
Within the emirates
At the local level, each emirate now has the flexibility to determine the duration of the quarantine period and PCR tests for Covid-19 contacts in their respective sectors and professions, according to the vital sectors in the country
However, they have to necessarily maintain the need to follow precautionary and preventive measures, which include adherence to physical distancing, and mask-wearing at all times.
The authority also approved the return of the pre-pandemic time intervals between prayer calls and the iqaamah, in addition to the return of Quran books to mosques in a limited number on the condition that they are sterilized after each prayer.
The current one-meter distance between worshipers in mosques and places of worship will also be maintained.
Rules for the incoming
Those coming to the UAE have to present an approved QR-code-accompanied Covid-19 vaccination certificate, said the NCEMA.
Unvaccinated travelers have to present an approved negative PCR test result received within 48 hours, or a QR-code-accompanied certificate of recovery from a Covid-19 infection obtained within one month from the date of travel.
Travelers from the UAE have to follow the requirements of medical examinations and vaccinations in their countries of destination.
The NCEMA stressed the continuity of following the Green Pass requirement, or presenting a negative PCR test result of no more than 96 hours to attend all local events, exhibitions, and cultural and social activities.
Tourism and other sectors
For economic and tourist sectors, physical distancing has been canceled while mask-wearing in closed places is still mandatory.
The authority announced the return of all sports activities for all age groups, while obligating the public to follow the Green Pass protocol or present a negative PCR of not more than 96 hours, in addition to maintaining the mandatory wearing of masks in all outdoor and indoor spaces given the turnout found in such activities.
It also called on all community members to cooperate and adhere to preventive measures to confront the Covid-19, in order to preserve the gains being witnessed in terms of recovery, crisis management, and comprehensive community health and safety.