The UAE is reinforcing and strengthening the Covid-19 regulations as cases in the country rise once again. According to a statement Dr Taher Al Ameri, spokesman for the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), UAE will strictly enforce the use of masks in all indoor places while also tightening the validity of the Al Hosn Green Pass.
#NCEMA: We urge everyone to adhere to the preventive and precautionary measures, by wearing face masks in closed areas, avoiding crowding, taking caution when travelling and checking the procedures for travel destinations on the platforms of the @MoFAICUAE. #TogetherWeRecover
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 13, 2022
The announcement follows a 100% rise in cases in the country in less than a week, with an increase in hospitalization rates. As the reason is speculated to be citizens breaching the mandatory 10-day home isolation rule, authorities have reminded that the breach is a criminal offense and will be dealt with robustly. While the mask mandate had been lifted for outdoor areas, citizens must continue to wear them in indoor spaces, which is a rule that will be strictly enforced, with AED 3,000 fines for those caught without a mask.
With the change in rules, the validity of the Green Pass on the Al Hosn app has also been reduced from 30 to 14 days, starting from Wednesday, June 15 for the public, and Monday, June 20 for schools. The change will require residents to get tested more frequently since a Green Pass is mandatory to access government buildings across the country and indoor spaces in the capital city, Abu Dhabi.
#NCEMA: Negligence and recklessness in following precautionary measures, as well as failing in the social role of maintaining public health and acquired immunity, have resulted in a rise in the number of infections and new waves of cases. #TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/fBzbqdYI0U
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 13, 2022
The country has reported 918,815 cases, 900,358 recoveries and 2,305 deaths to date although daily case numbers have declined significantly during the year. As for current school rules, UAE institutions were allowed to resume all activities and events from April 21 under updated Covid-19 safety rules announced by authorities with the Ministry of Education and NCEMA also stating that school field trips could be organized as part of the measures.
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