Tue, Nov 26, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 24, 1446 | DXB ktweather icon0°C

Covid in UAE: Masks not mandatory in some public places

Top Stories

Dubai - People must maintain a social distance of two metres

Published: Thu 23 Sep 2021, 4:33 AM

  • By
  • Staff Report

Authorities in the UAE have removed the mandatory requirement of wearing masks in some public places. People must maintain a social distance of two metres, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced on Wednesday, September 22.

Listen to this story and more on the 8@8 with David Light podcast

Residents don't need to wear masks when exercising in public places. Masks are also not mandatory when members of the same household are travelling in their private vehicles. Swimming pool- and beach-goers are not required to wear it either.

Also read: UAE tops global rankings for vaccination rates

UAE vaccination rate nears 100 per cent

Leave gap of three weeks between flu shot and Covid vaccine, says top official

Other places where the mask rule does not apply include closed places when individuals are alone; salons and beauty centres and medical centres.

Signs will come up at places where masks are not required.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention stressed that masks remain mandatory in all other public places. "Masks remain one of the most effective tools in fighting the virus," the NCEMA said.

The decision came after the number of daily Covid-19 cases decreased by 60 per cent in August this year as compared to the same period last year. On Tuesday, the country recorded just 322 new cases.

The UAE is also the most vaccinated country in the world, with over 92 per cent residents having received at least one dose, and over 81 per cent fully vaccinated.



Next Story