The UAE has announced COVID-19 protocols for Christmas and New Year’s Eve to keep everyone celebrating the festive season safe.
The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee (NCEMA) announced that venues must limit their capacity to 80 percent and that those attending festive events need a negative PCR test result that is less than 96 hours old. Therefore, people attending holiday celebrations in Abu Dhabi will not just need green status on the Al Hosn app, but also proof of a negative PCR test that is not over four days.
Mandatory temperature checks at entry points will be put in place. Additionally, NCEMA is encouraging barriers to be installed to help manage people and prevent overcrowding, especially at entrances and exits, as part of the precautionary measures. Regular sanitisation should be in effect at venues, and hand santisers should be provided at entrances and exits.
As part of the NCEMA festive season protocols, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee is encouraging people attending Christmas and New Year’s Eve events in the capital and beyond to maintain social distancing, including leaving a 1.5 metre physical distance. The mandate encourages people to refrain from shaking hands and hugging in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Families are allowed to sit together without the need to social distance at holiday events.
In keeping with current UAE coronavirus guidelines, wearing a face mask is mandatory.
“We highlight the importance of social responsibility and the pivotal role of members of the community in preserving the country’s achievements during this crisis,” tweeted NCEMA.
The COVID-19 Christmas and New Year’s Eve guidelines were announced on Wednesday December 15.
The same day, Abu Dhabi announced a huge border change for those travelling from within the UAE. Beginning Sunday December 19, people entering the capital within the United Arab Emirates will be scanned with EDE scanners at entry points.
The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee also announced the border change. The EDE scanners will be used to detect potential COVID-19 cases and those with potential positive COVID-19 cases will be referred to an on-site testing centre and given a free antigen test. The COVID tests results will be available within 20 minutes.
All of the COVID-19 protocol changes are part of the Abu Dhabi’s proactive response to managing the coronavirus pandemic, including using the green pass on the Al Hosn app, along with the wider UAE’s proactive measures including achieving high vaccination rates, having a low infection rate, increasing testing and restricting travel.
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The United Arab Emirates announced a suspension of people travelling and transiting from the Republic of Congo from Friday December 17. Additionally, travellers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda will be subject to new COVID-19 travel restrictions and testing.
All of the recent COVID-19 measures come into effect over concern of the spread of the Omicron variant around the world.
From Fri Dec 17, 2021.
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