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Covid in UAE: Masks no longer mandatory in open spaces

The new rules are effective today

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The wearing of face masks in open spaces have been made optional in the UAE, the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management (NCEMA) announced Friday.

Social distancing norms in economic and tourism sites have also been scrapped. However, face masks continue to remain mandatory in closed spaces. The new rules are effective Saturday, February 26.

Close contacts of Covid-19 patients are also not required to undergo quarantine. Instead, they must undergo two PCR tests five days apart, the NCEMA has stated.

Isolation protocols for infected individuals will continue as previously announced. In most Emirates, individuals tested positive for Covid-19 usually are mandated to undergo a minimum of ten days isolation.

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The sweeping reforms comes in line with UAE’s strategy to create a balance between public health and various vital sectors and support the nation’s efforts to achieve sustainable recovery, state news agency WAM has said.

NCEMA has said each emirate is free to determine the duration of the quarantine period and PCR tests for Covid-19 contacts cases in whatever sectors and professions, according to the vital sectors in the country.

These rules can be exercised while maintaining the need to follow precautionary and preventive measures, which include adherence to physical distancing, and mask-wearing at all times.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

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