The United Arab Emirates has relaxed its mask mandate in several places, as Covid-19 vaccination continues.
Local reports on Wednesday, September 22, said the Ministry of Health and Prevention or MoHAP and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority or NCEMA have made the announcement.
They said it is not mandatory to wear a face mask in certain places while keeping a safe physical distance of two meters.
According to the decision, face masks will no longer be mandatory for people exercising in public places.
Those who live in the same house will also not need to wear masks when commuting in private vehicles.
Masks are also not necessary at open beaches and swimming pools.
Face masks are also not obligatory for people who are alone in closed spaces, or at salons and beauty centers for facial and haircut services
They are also not needed in medical centers and clinics for diagnostic and treatment services, said the authorities.
The local authorities are expected to put signs showing the places where it will be allowed “not to wear a face mask” and adhere to the physical distancing of two meters, said the reports.
MoHAP and NCEMA said in a joint statement: “This decision comes after the noticeable decrease in the number of registered Covid-19 cases in the country, which reflects the successful national efforts in expanding the scope of testing nationwide that led to early detection of cases, and the availability of multiple vaccines along with the cooperation of the community in committing to the precautionary and preventive measures.”