UAE eases face mask restrictions, scraps PCR test for fully vaccinated visitors

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) in coordination with its main partners, has updated the Covid-19 countermeasures from Tuesday (March 1, 2022).

The announcement comes in support of the ongoing efforts at the country level to achieve sustainable recovery while maintaining public health and safety against the background of the continuation of various activities and return to normalcy nationwide.

According to the announcement, mask-wearing is mandatory in public indoor spaces and optional outdoors. It’s also been decided to cancel the quarantine requirements for COVID-19 contacts.

COVID-19 contacts working in all state sectors have to conduct a PCR test twice spaced 48 hours apart at least in five days.

NCEMA added that the isolation protocol of the infected will continue as previously announced, without any change. At the local level, each emirate is free to determine the duration of the quarantine period and PCR tests for COVID-19 contacts in whatever sectors and professions, according to the vital sectors in the country, while maintaining the need to follow precautionary and preventive measures, which include adherence to physical distancing, and mask-wearing at all times.

The authorities also approved the return of the pre-pandemic time intervals between prayer calls and the iqaamah, in addition to the return of Noble Qur’an books to mosques in a limited number on the condition of being sterilised after each prayer.

The current one-metre distance between worshippers in mosques and places of worship will also be maintained. Those coming to the UAE have to make sure to present an approved Covid-19 vaccination certificate containing a QR reader; unvaccinated travellers have to present an approved negative PCR test result within 48 hours, or a certificate of recovery from a Covid-19 infection within one month from the date of travel containing a QR code.

Travellers from the UAE have to follow the requirements of examinations and vaccinations stated by their countries of destination. 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, activities, cultural and social activities.

For economic and tourist sectors, physical distancing has been cancelled 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 or present a negative PCR of not more than 96 hrs, in addition to maintaining the mandatory wearing of masks.

The authorities call on all community members to cooperate and adhere to preventive measures to confront the Covid-19, in order to preserve the gains being witnessed today in terms of recovery, crisis management, and comprehensive community health and safety.

NCEMA stressed that the role of society in the next stage is no less important than the roles and responsibilities of the competent authorities to handle the pandemic, noting that the full return to normalcy requires commitment to preventive measures during the coming period.