UAE announces COVID safety measures for holiday season

Al Hosn Green Pass and a negative PCR test with 96-hour validity will be mandatory for all those attending events this holiday season.

That's according to the latest guidelines issued by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) during the press briefing on Wednesday, which set 80 per cent capacity limit for all Christmas and New Year parties in the country.

All event organisers have been advised to ensure 1.5 metre physical distancing guidelines are in place, temperature checkpoints installed at entrances and regular sanitisation of the premises.

The public have also been reminded to mask up, avoid crowded places and use hand sanitizers regularly.

According to the protocol, members of one family can be seated without adhering to social distancing protocols. 

#NCEMA: As the holiday season and official celebrations approach, we announce, today, the protocol for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.#TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/UgZTBs7UtY

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) December 15, 2021

The UAE government spokesperson also urged those eligible for the booster jabs to get it.

He highlighted how the latest research by the World Health Organisation showed that those who've taken the booster jabs are less susceptible to contracting infections, and get only mild symptoms if they do contract the virus. 

The spokesperson also reminded the public to act responsibly to preserve public health and safety.

#NCEMA: People’s health and safety are the priority. Therefore, receiving the booster shot of the vaccine is key to getting the necessary antibodies to prevent the spread of #Covid19 variants and genetic mutations.#TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/0EjfNI4raD

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) December 15, 2021