According to a recent announcement made by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management and Abu Dhabi’s Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Committee, close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases will not have to undergo quarantine.
The elimination of quarantine for close contacts coincides with the recent easing of COVID-19 regulations across the country announced by the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA). According to NCEMA, each Emirate can amend – “the quarantine period and PCR tests for COVID-19 contacts in whatever sectors and professions.”
Here are the latest rules you need to follow if you have tested positive or have come into contact with a confirmed case.
Abu Dhabi
The Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Committee of Abu Dhabi approved a reduction of precautionary measures for new Covid-19 cases. Close contacts no longer have to quarantine and instead must undergo daily PCR tests for five consecutive days.
Dubai
As NCEMA announced, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced that close contacts of COVID-19 positive cases who do not exhibit any symptoms will no longer be required to quarantine.
No PCR test requirements were specified by the local committee for close contact.
COVID-19 positive cases: procedures
For positive cases of COVID-19, the isolation rules remain the same. Positive COVID-19 cases in Abu Dhabi, however, do not need to wear a tracking wristband during quarantine.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi follow different isolation procedures for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Here are the official local health authorities’ guidelines for isolation.
Dubai
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) guidelines for positive COVID-19 cases:
- If you receive a positive PCR result, isolate yourself in a separate room and inform your direct manager and HR department immediately.
- You must install the COVID-19 DXB App and follow the instructions.
- Even if you do not have symptoms, you must complete the 10-day home or institutional isolation. Once the isolation period has ended, you do not have to undergo another PCR test.
- When you experience any symptoms, you can call the DHA toll-free number on 800 342 to book a virtual medical consultation through the “Doctor for Every Citizen” service or book an appointment at the COVID-19 assessment center.
- The clearance certificate will be sent to you by SMS once you have completed the isolation period.
If you do not meet the conditions for home isolation, you can contact the DHA hotline at 800 342 to request a transfer to an institution.
What is the end date of the isolation period?
- After 10 days from the date of the PCR test.
When the symptoms subside, if any.
By the 10th day, the patient has not experienced any symptoms or fever (without fever-reducing medication) for at least three consecutive days.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi residents must follow the COVID-19 isolation rules set forth by Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC). According to ADPHC, if you test positive, these are the steps you must follow: