After two-and-a-half years since the pandemic, the UAE has lifted nearly all off the restrictions on Monday at 6AM.
Aside from a few measures, all other Covid-19 rules will no longer be in effect.
“Wearing masks will be optional in all open and closed facilities, including places of worship and mosques, except for health facilities and centres for people of determination, where it will be mandatory,” said National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority’s (NCEMA) Dr Saif Al Dhaheri said.
The announcement was made on November 6 (Sunday) during a special Covid-19 briefing.
That being said, here is all you need to know about the latest safety protocols:
Where must I wear a mask?
As per the new regulations, the wear of face masks have been made optional.
However, face masks will continue to remain mandatory in health facilities and centres for people of determination. Additionally, in places of worship such as mosques, “praying on personal mats will be optional.”
I tested positive for Covid-19, what do I do?
The quarantine period for those who have tested positive for the virus remain unchanged. Positive cases will require home quarantine for five days.
“PCR testing and treatment health facilities will continue to operate. And the five-day isolation period for those infected with Covid-19 will still be implemented,” NCEMA said.
The number of days for quarantine was changed from 10 to 5, late in September as part of relaxed measures taken by the UAE government.
Do I need a ‘green status’ on the Al Hosn app to enter public spaces?
Those in the UAE will no longer have to show the Al Hosn Green Pass to enter public spaces after Covid-19 requirements were lifted in the nation.
“As for the Al Hosn App, its use will be limited to proof of vaccination and test results inside and outside the country upon request. Thus, green pass is not required to enter public facilities and sites,” NCEMA said.
The Al Hosn Green Pass app was introduced in June 2021 and was needed to enter any public spaces in Abu Dhabi. Previously, a PCR test was required every 30 days to maintain the ‘green status’ on the app.
However, the situation will be constantly monitored by government officials at all times but are “subject to change according to the latest developments and the epidemiological situation in the country,” Al Dhaheri said.