The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced the easing of a number of regulations in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The announcement was made at a special media briefing with the changes coming into effect from 28 September.
Amongst the easing of restrictions, the wearing of face masks is no longer mandatory in indoor public places, with the exception of places of worship, hospitals and on public transport. Teachers and students are also no longer required to wear masks in schools.
Patients of COVID-19 and those suspected of carrying the virus must still wear a face mask and those with chronic diseases, the elderly and people of determination are recommended to continue to wear.
Passengers flying in planes no longer, according to government guidelines, need to wear a face mask, however, their requirement is determined by individual airlines. For passengers flying out of the UAE the regulations according to the destination country apply.
The green status on the Al Hosn application is still required to enter public places and government buildings in Abu Dhabi, however in a further change, a negative PCR test needs to be carried out every 30 days instead of the previous 14 days to maintain green status for vaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated individuals need to have a negative PCR test every 7 days to maintain the green status.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will need to self isolate for 5 days instead of 10 days and close contacts are only required to take a PCR test if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
The UAE has been experiencing a steady decline in the number of daily positive cases, registering below 400 new cases per day for the last 4 days, for the first time since the end of May. In the latest announcement, there were 342 new positive cases, 323 recoveries and 1 death.
The daily announcement of new cases will no longer be made.