What are the UAE’s latest Covid-19 rules on masks, quarantine and Al Hosn green pass? – The National

Latest: UAE mask rules dropped in most public places as authorities relax Covid restrictions

Face masks will no longer be mandatory in many indoor places and quarantine rules will be eased as part of a major overhaul of the UAE's Covid-19 safety measures being brought into force on Wednesday.

People will only be required to wear face coverings in places of worship, hospitals and on public transport - which includes buses, metros and taxis, - the authorities said in a televised briefing on Monday.

The relaxation of Covid-19 protocols comes amid a sharp drop in infection rates in recent months.

But other rules remain in place to help to win the fight against the disease.

Here is The Nationals guide to the latest Covid-19 rules.

Members of the public have been required to wear masks in indoor settings, such as at malls and when entering restaurants and cafes, under safety rules in place since the early stages of the pandemic.

In February, however, authorities lifted the requirement to wear face coverings outside.

Now wearing masks will be optional in most indoor settings.

From Wednesday, schools nationwide will not require children or teachers to wear masks.

Airlines are to decide on whether or not masks are obligatory.

Staff at restaurants and other eateries would still be required to wear masks while working.

Vaccinated people and those with exemptions will be required to have tests once every 30 days to keep Al Hosn app green. It was every 14 days previously.

Those who are unvaccinated must take a PCR test every seven days to maintain green status.

Active green pass status is required to enter many public buildings in the capital, including malls, supermarkets and restaurants.

Al Hosn allows the user to show proof they have taken a coronavirus vaccine, or had a recent test.

People in Abu Dhabi have been required to display proof of their Green status since August 20, 2021, to enter supermarkets, malls and gyms, among other premises.

Covid-19 PCR testing stations inside three Majid Al Futtaim malls in Dubai are now open to public. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National

The UAE will require people who catch Covid-19 to quarantine at home for five days instead of 10 under the relaxed measures confirmed on Monday.

People exposed to infected cases must take a PCR test, while vulnerable groups are asked to undertake a test and monitor their condition for seven days.

People exposed to infected cases must undergo a PCR test. Vulnerable people exposed to an infected person are advised to undergo a lab test and monitor their condition for seven days.

As of March 25, quarantine is not required for those who came in close contact with a positive case of Covid-19. The directive was issued by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (Ncema).

However, they must undergo a PCR test on day one and seven, or when the contact starts showing symptoms of Covid-19.

Each emirate has the freedom to set its own rules and in Dubai, close contacts of positive cases who are not experiencing any symptoms do not have to take a PCR test.

Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre advises family members of positive cases to avoid contact with the patient and conduct PCR tests when required. All household members are urged to stay at home until the patient returns a negative tests.

From Wednesday, schools nationwide will not require children or teachers to wear masks.

Classrooms emptied and pupils switched to distance learning in the early months of the pandemic.

The UAE has sought to ease safety rules in recent months, including a widespread return to in-person education.

In early April, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge relaxed school-related Covid-19 prevention protocols.

The protocols removed classroom and bubble closure requirements.

As of February, passengers flying to Abu Dhabi and Dubai from all countries do not require a PCR test before flying if fully vaccinated.

Those not vaccinated must present a negative Covid-19 result issued within 48 hours of their flight or a valid medical certificate demonstrating they had recovered from Covid-19 within one month of their arrival.

It is now no longer mandatory to take a PCR test upon arrival in Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The UAE lifted a ban on overseas travel for unvaccinated Emiratis in April.

Citizens must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel under the updated Covid-19 safety measures announced on Wednesday.

They must also complete travel forms in Al Hosn app to turn their application status green.

Authorities had prevented unvaccinated citizens from travelling from January 10 as part of efforts to limit the spread of the virus.

If travelling from the UAE, passengers must check the requirements of the country they are travelling to because these change frequently.

When travelling from Dubai with Emirates airline, a PCR test before departure is not needed, unless the destination requires it.

When travelling from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, you need to take a test only if it is required at your final destination.

Updated: September 27, 2022, 8:52 AM

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What are the UAE's latest Covid-19 rules on masks, quarantine and Al Hosn green pass? - The National