The UAE government announced on Monday that face masks will no longer be mandatory in many indoor places starting Wednesday, September 29. Quarantine rules will also be eased.
The relaxation of safety protocols for Covid-19 came into effect after two-and-a-half years since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
That being said, here is everything you need to know about the UAE’s relaxed mask rules.
Where must I wear a mask?
Those at places of worship, hospitals and on public transport (buses, metros and taxis) will be required to continue wearing the face mask.
Covid-19 safety protocols were eased as a significant drop in infection rates were seen in the past few months.
Where am I exempt from wearing a mask?
The public must wear masks indoors, when in malls, restaurants and cafes, under the same safety rules which were in place ever since the onset of the pandemic. Officials had lifted the requirement to wear face masks outside in February.
Post the media briefing on Monday, wearing masks will be optional for most indoor places.
Additionally, schools across the UAE will not require children or teachers to wear masks, as per the latest announcement.
Airlines can decide on whether or not masks are mandatory.
“The aviation sector will adopt precautionary measures in line with the national aviation protocol, with airlines to decide whether face masks will be mandatory or optional on airplanes, he added. The requirements for pre-departure testing for vaccinated and unvaccinated people will be determined based on the requirements of their travel destinations. As for those coming to the UAE, the current protocol remains applicable to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people,” the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority’s (NCEMA) official spokesperson Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri said.
I tested positive, what do I do?
Those who have tested positive for the virus must quarantine at home for five days, instead of 10. This comes as part of the relaxed measures taken by the government on Monday.
I got exposed, but I don’t have symptoms. What do I do?
Those who come in close contact with infected cases are not mandated to quarantine but must take a PCR test, whereas vulnerable groups must take a lab test and monitor their condition for seven days.
How can I maintain the green status on my Al Hosn App?
Those vaccinated, and those with exemptions, must take a test every 30 days to maintain the green status on the Al Hosn mobile app. Residents, citizens and tourists were asked to maintain their green status every 14 days previously.
Those unvaccinated, must take a weekly PCR test, to maintain the green status on the mobile app.
An active green pass status is required in Abu Dhabi, in order to enter many public buildings. These include malls, supermarkets and restaurants.
“The green pass system is still a mandatory prerequisite for employees and visitors to enter federal authorities and entities, with the green pass system to be expanded to cover workers in the tourism and economic sectors,” Al Dhaheri said.
The Al Hosn app allows the user to show proof of their vaccine against coronavirus and also proof of their recent test.
Those in Abu Dhabi must provide the proof of their green status since August 20, 2021, to enter supermarkets, malls and gyms, among other premises.
The UAE will also stop publishing its daily numbers of Covid-19 cases, which first started publishing in March 2020.
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