Dr. Taher Al Ameri, Official Spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), addressed a media briefing of the UAE government on the latest updates of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. During the briefing, Dr Al Ameri announced updated safety measures related to hosting social gatherings, celebrations, weddings and funerals at home, as well as guidelines for passengers arriving on business charter flights.

Dr. Al Ameri highlighted that the UAE has successfully transformed the challenges posed by COVID-19 into opportunities and has proved its readiness in handling emergencies and crises in the country.

He affirmed that the UAE's crisis management model has become a potential example in the world. It is con sidered aunique experience in implementing proactive measures to address risks and challenges.

"The UAE’s approach and its success highlighted the action model of national authorities that utilises an integrated ecosystem for managing challenges and risks with high flexibility," he said.

The NCEMA official further explained that the UAE's health sector is ensuring all possible efforts to achieve acquired immunity. As of now, about 96.45 percent of the country's population has received the first dose of COVID-19 while 86.45 percent of the eligible people are fully vaccinated. Dr Al Ameri hailed the contribution and commitment shown by the community members towards the national efforts. He commended the community's contributions to promoting the success of the UAE’s testing strategy with the country administering 90 million tests since the beginning of the pandemic.

He assured the public that relevant authorities are continuously monitoring the developments in the pandemic with the aim of strengthening acquired immunity and ensuring the public’s safety.

Explaining the new protocols on home gatherings, weddings and funerals, Dr. Al Ameri said that maximum capacity has been set at 80 percent for such activities. Attendee limit has been increased to 60 people in addition to 10 extra individuals as part of the service staff.

Only those attendees who received their second dose of vaccine more than 14 days ago are allowed to attend the social events. They must meet the green pass protocols through the Al Hosn application, including third dose requirement and other relevant measures.

All attendees are also mandated to present negative results of PCR tests conducted less than 48 hours before attending the event.

Other safety measures include temperature checks, mandatory wearing of face masks and regular sanitisation with the aim of ensuring the safety of all attendees and staff. Organisers must ensure compliance with regulations during the entry process to avoid overcrowding.

The government official also called on attendees to avoid shaking hands and maintaining a physical distance of 1.5 metres at all times. A maximum of 10 persons are allowed to seat at the same table.

"We also urge you to not show up to such events if you have any respiratory symptoms or fevers," Dr. Al Ameri continued.

At the same time, he announced new protocols for business charter flights in line with the gradual return to normalcy and coordination between NCEMA and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The new protocol includes resident and businesspersons planning to visit the country via charter flights. They are required to register their arrival by submitting relevant documents through the ICA website. Furthermore, they must present the official approval issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security as well as a copy of vaccination certificates upon arrival.

Businesspersons willing to enter the UAE are mandated to present a negative PCR test result with a valid QR code conducted less than 48 hours prior to departure of the flight. Moreover, a Rapid PCR test will be taken at the airport within six hours of the departure time.

Businesspersons will also be required to take a PCR test upon arrival to the UAE as well as on days fourth and eight of their stay in the country.

As per the updated guidelines, the maximum capacity of business charter flights has been removed to allow all vaccinated businesspersons to enter the UAE.

"We laud all national efforts aimed at ensuring recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and we thank all segments of the community for adhering to relevant protocols," Dr. Al Ameri added.

In conclusion, he urged the public to continue adhering to applicable guidelines to strengthen the recovery process and contain the spread of the virus.

"We urge everyone to commit to the updated protocols announced by the official authorities," he concluded. 

WAM