NCEMA, KHDA: No More Masks in Schools

This article is part of an editorial series on Covid-19

The National Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced that children and teachers are no longer required to wear face masks while at school, in a media briefing this evening.

The briefing announced that face masks are not required to be worn in schools, and other closed areas across the UAE, with the exception of medical facilities, public transport and mosques.

Dubai's education regulator, the KHDA, has confirmed the rulings also apply to its schools. 

These new conditions are applicable from Wednesday 28th September. 

“With regard to face masks, wearing them is still mandatory in medical facilities, mosques and public transportation. All food service providers, those suspected of having COVID-19 must also wear masks, in order to preserve the safety of society, especially those from the most vulnerable groups.

Other than that, wearing a mask is optional for all other open and closed facilities and places, but we recommend the continued wearing of masks for senior citizens and those with chronic diseases in order to preserve their safety and health.”

Key requirements

• Wearing of face masks is no longer mandatory in all indoor public places
• Schools will not require teachers or pupils to wear face masks
• Airlines to decide on whether masks are obligatory or not
• Abu Dhabi residents will be required to have tests once every 30 days to keep Al Hosn app green. It was every 14 days previously
• Only the person who tests positive for Covid-19 will be required to quarantine, not someone who has been in close contact with them
• No social distancing is required in places of worship
• The number of daily Covid cases will no longer be published by the government
• People will be able to visit malls, supermarkets, hotels, bars and restaurants without being required to wear a mask
• People will be required to be masked only in places of worship, hospitals and on public transport from Wednesday, September 28.

The use of masks in indoor public places has been in effect for two and a half years.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema) ruling typically affects only Abu Dhabi - but the other emirates are expected to adopt the decision. 

This article will be updated as further information is received.