Face masks are no longer required in many public spaces, and those who want to keep their Green Pass status on the Al Hosn app just need to undergo a PCR test once a month.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) of the UAE announced these relaxations on Monday, September 26, and they will take effect as of tomorrow, September 28, 2022.
Commenting on the relaxations that were announced, NCEMA tweeted: “The UAE has now reached a stable phase due to your commitment. We are thankful for your awareness and cooperation, and we thank our frontline workers for their devotion and efforts.”
However, the authority also stated that it would continue “monitoring the situation in full readiness to update procedures accordingly.”
“We stress that despite the current stable situation, the pandemic is still ongoing, and the next phase will require community responsibility,” the authority tweeted.
Here is a list of all the relaxations to COVID-19 protocols that have been announced:
The Green Pass System
- Individuals who are fully vaccinated no longer need to perform a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test every two weeks to keep their status as “Green” on the Al Hosn app; instead, they only need to do so once a month. This means that for one month following a PCR test, Al Hosn will view you as “green,” at which point you must undergo another PCR test.
- Those who are not required to receive the vaccine are likewise covered by this one-month validity.
- To keep the Green Pass active on Al Hosn if you are not vaccinated, you would need to take a PCR once every seven days.
- Employees in federal government agencies must have a Green Pass on the Al Hosn app in order to enter their workplaces.
Face masks
- It is mandatory to wear face masks in the following places:
– medical facilities
– Places of worship
– Public transportation
- Face masks are required for all food service workers, COVID-19 sick individuals, and suspected COVID-19 cases.
- In all other open and closed facilities and spaces, face masks are not required.
- Seniors, residents, and those suffering from chronic illnesses are advised to use face masks.
Mosques and other places of worship
- Social distancing is no longer required in places of worship.
- To protect the health of the most vulnerable members of the community, face masks must be worn.
- The use of personal prayer mats is still required.
The aviation sector
Airlines were urged by NCEMA to take precautionary steps in keeping with the national aviation procedure.
- Airlines are free to decide whether face mask use will be required or optional.
- Travel locations will define the requirements for pre-departure testing for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
- For those entering the country, both those who have received vaccinations and those who have not are still subject to the present procedure.
The tourism, economic, and events sector
- In addition to numerous events, the Green Pass will be accepted for entry into hotels, parks, and other relaxation areas as well as the commercial sector, such as shopping malls.
- Depending on the circumstances, event organizers may choose to take precautions.
The education sector
- In accordance with the national education protocol, precautionary measures will be put into place.
- Face masks are no longer required in both open and enclosed spaces.
- As previously stated, the Green Pass system will be used.
Close contacts
- A PCR test should be sufficient if you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the event that symptoms appear.
- NCEMA advised vulnerable categories to have a PCR test and monitor their health for seven days.
Self-Isolation
- The COVID-19 isolation time has been shortened to five days for individuals who tested positive, whether at home or in an institution.
- Institutional isolation shall be the responsibility of the employer.
Also Read: In the UAE, how to get a COVID-19 vaccination certificate
