A sign of recovery

We have to recognise the depression in the world that has persisted now for 18 months. But a sign of recovery is visible as the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued the updated list of ‘Green List’ destinations (effective from June 13).

The good thing is passengers arriving from 28 countries will be exempted from mandatory quarantine measures after landing in Abu Dhabi and will only be required to undergo PCR testing upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport (“No quarantine for passengers from 28 nations in Abu Dhabi,” Gulf Today, June 14).

Quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people. It is often used in connection to disease and illness, preventing the movement of those who may have been exposed to a communicable disease, yet do not have a confirmed medical diagnosis.

Countries, regions and territories included within the ‘Green List’ will be regularly updated based on international developments. Inclusion in the list is subject to strict criteria of health and safety to ensure the well-being of the UAE community. The list also only applies to countries passengers are arriving from rather than citizenship.

It is distinct from medical isolation, in which those confirmed to be infected with a communicable disease are isolated from the healthy population. Quarantine considerations are often one aspect of border control.

The mandatory hospital quarantine of special groups of patients, including those with leprosy, started early in Islamic history.

Though many will eventually return to their normal lives but the shutdown highlighted the ease with which modern technology handled the shift from one location to another, as well as the ability of many office workers to get the job done even when not under their manager’s eye.

The pandemic era has already transformed the workdays of millions as more workers become familiar with the virtual tools needed to work remotely and organisations change to accommodate those working out of the office.

Well, hope for the best in the coming days.

Abu Ali
By email