Protocols have been announced…

With Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations fast approaching, and Covid-19 still a concern, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) have announced a set of protocols for UAE residents and visitors to follow during the festive season.

In a series of Tweets, the NCEMA said: “We highlight the importance of social responsibility and the pivotal role of members of the community in preserving the country’s achievements during this crisis.”

The protocols are as follows:

  • Venues for celebrations will have a capacity of 80 per cent
  • Participants must provide a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours
  • You must undergo mandatory body temperature testing
  • Organisers of events are urged to regulate entry, avoid over-crowding and use barriers at entrances and exits
  • Wear face masks at all times in enclosed places and avoid overcrowding, in addition to leaving a 1.5 metre safe distance
  • Regularly sanitising places and providing sanitisers at the entrances and exits of restrooms
  • Respecting social distancing during celebrations
  • Members of the same family are allowed to sit together without the need to practice physical distancing
  • Refrain from shaking hands
  • Public are informed that organisers of events will form teams to verify the implementation of precautionary measures

In a Tweet yesterday, the NCEMA urged the public to get their vaccine boosters. They said: “People’s health and safety are the priority. Therefore, receiving the booster shot of the vaccine is key to getting the necessary antibodies to prevent the spread of #Covid19 variants and genetic mutations.”

Image: Getty