Covid: Time Called on School Disruption
In news that will be a huge lift to schools and parents, the requirement to quarantine on close contact with someone with contact has come to an end, along with the requirements to wear a face mask outside. Both safety measures have caused huge disruption to schools and parents looking to keep their children in school.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi crisis authorities confirmed the easing of restrictions that had been announced on Friday at a federal level yesterday, and added a range of other measures.
Face masks must still be worn in all indoor areas and public places — including shopping malls and schools.
Mandatory quarantine following close contact with a person with coronavirus is still in place at a federal level but individual emirates can now set their own rules. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have dropped the requirement to quarantine. Authorities in Abu Dhabi said individuals should still take a PCR test daily for five consecutive days. In Dubai, close contacts of positive cases who are not experiencing any symptoms do not have to quarantine, and no PCR testing is required.
Further changes include:
- No more testing for fully vaccinated passengers coming to the UAE.
- No negative PCR test required when crossing the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Within closed areas, “for economic and tourist sectors, physical distancing has been cancelled".
- All sports activities for all age groups back on. The Green Pass protocol should be followed.
Previously emirates have been able to impose different rules for public venues, bars, restaurants, gatherings in private residences, weddings and funerals — while enforcing federal rules on issues such as mask wearing.
