The UAE ushers in March filled with cautious optimism after the government announced that residents will no longer be required to wear a face mask in outdoor settings.
This applies to public areas such as parks, beaches, streets, and other outdoor events.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with its main partners, only mandates mask-wearing for indoor areas such as malls, office buildings, schools, places of worship, and exhibition/event halls.
This move gives UAE residents a glimpse of normalcy, two years after the global pandemic was declared which brought stern mobility restrictions and economic repercussions.
For many, it is the fruit of the country’s successful vaccination drive and aggressive COVID-19 testing measures.
As of posting time, statistics from Worldometers state that the UAE has administered over 24 million doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines and has conducted over 138 million COVID-19 tests – proof of the country’s relentless drive to protect its residents from the pandemic.
Adjustment period
While most Filipinos heaved a sigh of relief with the recent announcement on optional mask-wearing and more relaxed regulations, others still choose to wear a face mask in public places.
“It’s good news because removing face masks was what we have been wishing for, for the past two years. But for me, mask-wearing should still be a choice especially since we have learned to appreciate its importance – nitong nakarang dalawang taon natin na-realize yung kahalagahan ng pagsusuot ng mask. And keeping distance is important pa rin po talaga. Lalo na kapag pumupunta tayo sa mga matataong lugar gaya ng mga events,” said a Filipina named Neth from Abu Dhabi told TFT.
Peter, who is also from Abu Dhabi, agreed saying: “Hindi mo naman alam kung yung nakakasalamuha mo sa bus ay nag-i-ingat din. Iba na rin yung may mask ka lalo na pag sobrang dami ng tao ang nagkukumpulan.”
Dubai-based Rosario said: “Nakasanayan na namin ito sa nakalipas na dalawang taon. ‘Yung ibang kakilala naming nakatatlo o kahit apat na bakuna, nag pa-positive pa rin. Kaya paraan na rin namin ito para mag-ingat.”
Part of the UAE’s eased restrictions is canceling quarantine requirements for individuals with close contact with COVID-positive patients. However, they are required to take PCR tests daily for five days.
Those who test positive will have to stay quarantined for 7 to 10 days, depending on if they are vaccinated or not. However, infected individuals no longer need to wear tracking wristbands.
Global model
The UAE’s pandemic strategies against the spread of the coronavirus make it a role model for other countries to emulate. Its tourist and economic sectors are anticipated to get a much-needed boost now that they’re back to full capacity with no requirement for physical distancing.
Fully-vaccinated residents and tourists headed to the UAE no longer need to present ICA or GDRFA approvals or PCR tests as well – however, they are required to present an approved COVID-19 vaccination certificate containing a QR code. Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers must present an approved negative PCR test result received within 48 hours or a QR code-accompanied certificate of recovery from a COVID-19 infection obtained within one month from the date of travel.
The UAE has witnessed jam-packed live events, particularly at the highly-successful Expo 2020 Dubai – but cases remained at the downward trend, thanks to the country’s strict Green Pass and PCR requirement measures.
NCEMA stressed the continuity of following this Green Pass requirement or presenting a negative PCR test result of no more than 96 hours to attend not just the Expo – but also for all local events, exhibitions, and cultural and social activities.
The authority urged all community members to work together and follow preventive measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, to preserve the accomplishments made thus far in terms of recovery, crisis management, and overall community health and safety.
NCEMA emphasized that society’s participation in the following stage is just as crucial as the duties and obligations of the competent authorities in dealing with the epidemic.
