Handshakes & Hugs Banned In UAE As Authorities Issue Guidelines For Christmas & New Year

by Shrestha Purkayastha
Handshakes & Hugs Banned In UAE As Authorities Issue Guidelines For Christmas & New Year

Authorities in the UAE have announced the Covid safety protocols for taking part in Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said on Wednesday that residents must have a green pass on their AlHosn apps to enter a venue. Additionally, they must have a negative result of a Covid test taken within 96 hours of the event.

Attendees Are Required To Wear Masks And Maintain A Social Distance Of 1.5 Metres

Event venues can operate at 80 per cent capacity. Attendees are required to wear masks and maintain a social distance of 1.5 metres. Organisers are required to check the temperature of attendees and regulate entry so as to avoid crowding and gatherings. The ‎UAE has announced COVID-19 protocols for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, limiting gatherings to 80 per cent of the capacity in crowded and indoor areas.

Picture Credits: The New York Times

Also Read: UAE Covid-19 Vaccine: More Than One Million Residents Vaccinated

The Protocols Include A Negative PCR Test To Attend Events And Gatherings

The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) set out the celebration protocols and precautionary measures on Tuesday during its weekly media briefing. The protocols include that a negative PCR test must be presented to attend events and gatherings and temperatures should be taken before entry. The authority urged the public to abide by COVID-19 precautionary measures and celebration protocols to ensure everyone celebrates safely, and preserve the gains and efforts made since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Picture Credits: Free Press Journal

Also Read: UAE Suspends Flights From 7 Countries Over The Spread Of New COVID Variant

Masks Will Need To Be Worn At All Times In Crowded & Indoor Places

Masks will need to be worn at all times in crowded and indoor places. The rules also include maintaining a physical distance of 1.5 metres. However, families are allowed to sit or stand together without the need to maintain social distancing. People of all ages are allowed to attend the events, provided they have received a vaccine more than 14 days ago, received a booster shot, or have a green-pass status on their Al Hosn application. Greetings should be given from a distance, without handshakes or hugs, and social distancing should also be respected while taking photographs.‎

Picture Credits: Northstar Meetings Group
First Published: December 16, 2021 3:49 PM