COVID-19 safety rules will be modified in the United Arab Emirates to increase the number of people allowed at weddings, hotels, and shopping malls across the country, according to health officials.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) announced on Sunday that hotels will now be allowed to run at full capacity, while shopping centers, restaurants and cafes can now operate at an 80 percent capacity, with the seating limit increased to 10 persons per table.
Face masks are still required.
Cinemas, recreational facilities, galleries, and museums will be allowed to operate at 80% full, while event capacity will be limited to 60%, as long as social distancing, face masks, and regular sanitization rules are followed.
The operating capacity of wedding and event halls have increased to 60 percent, providing that the number of attendees per event does not exceed 300 and all preventive measures are implemented.
Public transportation can now operate at 75 percent capacity.
NCEMA said in a statement “aligns with the UAE’s strategy to strike a balance between maintaining public health and resuming activity in important sectors, and supports efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and gradually resume all activities in the UAE.”
NCEMA reiterated its previously ruling that anyone attending live events and exhibitions must have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. A PCR test taken in the 48 hours prior to the event is also required.
It further stated that attendees could attend “if their second dose is less than six months old, and less than three months old for senior citizens and those with chronic diseases.”
NCEMA also urged establishments to use the ‘green pass’ protocol for certain categories of events and activities to help contain the spread of the virus.
NCEMA announced Sunday that more than 80 percent of the UAE have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while more than 72 percent have been fully inoculated.
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