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Masks are no longer mandatory in certain spaces in the UAE.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) announced today that it is not mandatory to wear a face mask in certain places, according to a statement.
You will still have to keep a safe physical distance of two metres, however.
“This decision comes after the noticeable decrease in the number of registered COVID-19 cases in the country, which reflects the successful national efforts in expanding the scope of testing nationwide that led to early detection of cases, and the availability of multiple vaccines along with the cooperation of the community in committing to the precautionary and preventive measures,” the two entities said in a statement.
According to the new decision, face masks are no longer required when exercising in public places, commuting in private vehicles for those who live in the same house as well as at open beaches and swimming pools.
Face masks are also not required for people who are alone in closed spaces, or at salons and beauty centres for facial and haircut services, as well as in medical centres and clinics for diagnostic and treatment services.
If this is at all confusing, don’t worry, authorities will be putting signs showing the places where it will be allowed “not to wear a face mask” and adhere to the physical distancing of two meters.
MoHAP and NCEMA also said that people need to adhere to wearing a face mask in the places where it is obligatory to do so, as, “studies confirmed that the face mask was one of the most important means to stop the spread of the virus.”
The UAE also made it clear that those who do not adhere to wearing a face mask in the places where it is mandatory to wear it, will still be fined.
The two entities stressed the need to follow the preventive and precautionary measures which are instructed by the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all members of society, according to the statement.
There have been a number of restrictions eased both here and abroad, as the quarantine is ending for some when travelling to the UK from the UAE.
Other countries have already removed their mask mandates. Read more here.
