Abu Dhabi is all set to resume all activities, Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic said. The emirate will lift all restrictions within the next two weeks and that means all economic, tourism, cultural and entertainment activities will resume in full swing. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Has Been Ranked The 10th Most Popular City For Expats.
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All economic, tourism, cultural and entertainment activities in the emirate will fully resume, while precautionary procedures already in place will be enhanced to preserve all health gains achieved.
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) December 9, 2020
Abu Dhabi Records Low Percentage Of Confirmed Covid Cases
The new announcement after the emirate succeeded in testing a low percentage of confirmed cases per total tests conducted in the emirate. The total number of confirmed cases in Abu Dhabi remained at 0.39 per cent, over the past three months to November. Abu Dhabi conducted regular testing across private offices as well as retailers, hotels and restaurants. Authorities also added that tests will continue, even after restrictions ease.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to continue the efforts made to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus, including active tracing and testing programmes, and the humanitarian efforts that are supporting social stability.
Ever since the pandemic broke out, Abu Dhabi implemented strict bans on activities that involved gatherings of people. A nightly curfew was also imposed across the country. Residents had to remain in their homes from 8pm so the streets could be disinfected. The restriction was lifted in late June. Residents were allowed to resume a limited number of activities since September, but with precautions in place.
No Quarantine, PCR & DPI Tests For Residents Who Have Vaccinated
The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee announced that those participating in the Phase III clinical trials of the Covid vaccine are now exempt from quarantine rules. In addition, the new rule allow vaccinated individuals to enter Abu Dhabi without PCR and DPI tests. A number of senior official in the UAE, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai, have also been vaccinated.
Vaccinated Residents Traveling Abroad Must Take PCR Test
Vaccinated residents entering Abu Dhabi don’t require PCR and DPI tests. However, all vaccinated residents who are travelling abroad will still be required to take a PCR test before their flights. Besides, participants in the Phase 3 trials must also take a PCR test on arrival in the emirate. On the other hand, participants in the National Vaccination Programme must take a nasal swab test on arrival, as well as on the fourth and eighth day after they have landed. All residents who have received a vaccination must continue to take a PCR test every two weeks, under the guidelines.
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When Do The Changes Come Into Force?
Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed Ruler of Dubai received the Covid-19 vaccine on 3 November. “While receiving the Covid-19 vaccine today. We wish everyone safety and great health, and we are proud of our teams who have worked relentlessly to make the vaccine available in the UAE. The future will always be better in the UAE,” he tweeted.
UAE’s Phase-3 trial involved 31,000 volunteers in the Emirates, Bahrain and Jordan. The jab was administered to frontline medical workers, senior officials and some members of the Cabinet, after it received approval from the UAE Government for limited use in September.
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First Published: December 10, 2020 10:07 AM