UAE reinforces use of masks in closed areas, green pass validity down to 14 days

The UAE has reinforced the use of masks in closed areas.

In a Covid-19 media briefing held on June 13, Dr. Taher Al Ameri, official spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), said that wearing face masks is one of the most important factors in maintaining health and thwarting the risk of Covid-19 infection, according to research studies, news agency WAM reported. Various segments of the community have recently shown negligence in adhering to wearing face masks in closed areas, he added.

Nonetheless, those found flouting the mask rule will be punished with a fine of up to Dhs3,000, according to Public Prosecution Decision No.38 for 2020, he added.

#NCEMA: Negligence and recklessness in following precautionary measures, as well as failing in the social role of maintaining public health and acquired immunity, have resulted in a rise in the number of infections and new waves of cases. #TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/fBzbqdYI0U

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 13, 2022

“Our frontline defenders in the UAE have been working non-stop for two years, and due to their efforts, the country has contained the pandemic and achieved recovery,” he stressed.

Al Ameri said that an increase in Covid-19 infections around the country has been detected recently, along with rising hospitalisation rates, with the number of cases increasing by over 100 percent in one week. A number of practices that pose risks to the community and public health have been witnessed recently, he added.

#NCEMA: We have updated the green pass systems on the #AlHosnApp. Today, we are announcing the reduction of the validity period of the green pass from 30 to 14 days. #TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/821MAcraoA

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 13, 2022

“A lack of commitment to isolating was noted among a small group of people infected with Covid-19, which threatens the safety of the community and causes the spread of the virus, due to the lack of commitment of people,” Al Ameri stated, noting that such practices will be subject to legal action.

The UAE reported more than a 1,000 new Covid-19 infections last week, in a four-month high.

Read: UAE Covid-19 cases cross 1,000, highest in almost four months

The country’s health ministry reported 1,319 new infections on June 13, raising the nationwide case count to 918,815.

Read: UAE reports 1,319 Covid-19 cases, 1,076 recoveries

Green Pass Validity

Al Ameri also announced an update to the green pass system on the Al Hosn app, reducing its validity period from 30 days to 14 days. The update will be applicable to all categories starting Wednesday, June 15.

For employees across the education sector and for students, the update will come into effect on Monday, June 20, 2022. He also encouraged the public to comply with relevant precautionary measures, including wearing face masks in closed areas, avoiding crowded places, being cautious while travelling, as well as undertaking regular tests.