Covid-19, the new strain of coronavirus has undoubtedly created a world
epidemic, and its effects are still being grappled with globally. Pandemic
outbreaks have occurred before on numerous occasions, and they have had a
crippling effect on the world economy. However, never before the world has
collectively experienced such a bottleneck effect on international trade
and shipping. The underlying causes are numerous and include factory
closures, supply shortage, transit and payment delays, to name a few. Many
businesses have been pushed to the brink of bankruptcy in increasing
numbers worldwide. The virus and its causes were relatively unknown before
2019, and two years down the lane, the world is still recovering from its
effects.
In comparison with the rest of the world, the UAE has however, led the
vaccine race and has been at the forefront, taking proactive measures to
ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people. The UAE currently leads the
world nations in the number of Covid-19 vaccines administered, with 96% of
its population being fully vaccinated .This is a staggering achievement,
and combined with the Covid-19 protection measures, the country has
successfully brought life close to normal, with residents being able to
enjoy a more accessible and healthier environment compared to many other
nations.
Al Hosn Application:
The UAE government has introduced the Al Hosn application, which functions
as the official application of the government for both contact tracing, as
well as health status updates related to Covid-19. The application serves
as the e-platform facilitating the following measures:
-
COVID-19 test results and a recording of all previous Covid-19 results
with their respective dates
-
Notification if one has been in contact or is confirmed with a case of
Covid-19
-
All information concerning Covid-19 vaccination showing the type of
vaccine taken and the certification authenticating the dosage and the
number of vaccines taken.
Latest Health protocols:
The health system in the UAE provides both governments funded as well as
private health facilities, able to provide a comprehensive health care
solution. The emergency response system is managed by the National Crisis
and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA). The covid-19 precautionary
measures are strictly enforced within the UAE, with violations inviting
hefty penalties. The NCEMA has recently introduced the new covid-19
countermeasures and health protocol which will be in effect from 1 March
2022.
-
Close contacts:
Mandatory quarantine requirement for close contacts of Covid-19 has
been removed.
-
Quarantine for infected:
The quarantine requirements for those infected by CoviD-19 are still in
place, with the only change that those in quarantine are no longer
required to wear wristbands with location tracking feature as
previously mandated.
-
Social distancing and use of face masks:
Mask-wearing still remains mandatory in public indoor spaces; however,
has now been made optional outdoors.
-
Emirate level flexibility
: Each emirate has been accorded the flexibility to determine the
duration of the quarantine period and the PCR tests for Covid contacts
in their respective sectors and professions, according to the vital
sectors indicator. Many emirates followed suit to ensure effective
preventive measures, including implementing fixed charges for PCR
testing. The emirate of Abu Dhabi has recently announced the fixed
price for PCR tests at Aed 40.
-
Prayer:
The NCEMA has now approved to revert to the pre-pandemic time intervals
for prayer calls as well as returning of the holy book to mosques,
albeit, with stricter precautionary rules including sterilization
measures. All worshippers are required to continue the one-meter
distance separation in mosques as well as other places of worship.
-
Travelling to UAE:
Covid-19 vaccination certification or presenting a negative PCR test
result has been the new change effected on this front. Those who are
unvaccinated are required to submit an approved negative PCR test
result taken within 48 hours of the travel. While anyone who is
currently infected needs to submit a QR code-accompanied certificate of
recovery from a Covid-19 infection obtained within one month from the
date of travel.
-
Sporting activity:
The new announcements have also approved all sports activities for all
age groups. Public sporting events are however, required to adhere to
the green pass protocol as well as to wearing of masks in all outdoor
and indoor spaces as per the turnout for the said events.
The newly introduced health protocols are a welcome change, one that
vouches for the country’s ability to lead by example in systematic handling
of the covid-19 crisis. While introducing the new rules, the government has
also stressed upon continued public responsibility of the people to adhere
to the preventive measure (though now more relaxed) in place. The focus now
remains to achieve a full return to normalcy.
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