Covid-19: Abu Dhabi updates protocols for social gatherings

Officials in Abu Dhabi have updated the protocols for hosting indoor and outdoor social events and family celebrations in the emirate.

Venues hosting social events such as wedding ceremonies, funerals and family gatherings must now operate at a maximum occupancy of 60 per cent.

The maximum number of people permitted at indoor events in the emirate should not exceed 50.

Meanwhile attendees at outdoor events and open-air gatherings should not number more than 150.

Social events held at home should not host more than 30 people.

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated measures to host indoor and outdoor social events and family celebrations, effective 27 December 2021, enhancing precautionary measures to protect public health. pic.twitter.com/v0tsflyd6S

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 26, 2021

Meanwhile, entry to social events requires adherence to existing precautionary measures, including showing green pass on Alhosn App and presenting a negative PCR test result received within 48 hours as well as wearing masks while observing physical distancing protocol.

The directives were issued by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee on Sunday. The authority added that it will increase inspection and monitoring to ensure compliance with all preventive and precautionary measures and help maintain a low Covid-19 infection rate in Abu Dhabi, according to state-run news agency WAM.

It urged the public to avoid crowded places, wear masks that cover both nose and mouth, and maintain at least 2m distance.

The committee also encourages those eligible to receive a booster vaccine dose, and maintain a green status on their Alhosn App through regular PCR testing.

Earlier this month, EDE scanners – which use technology to rapidly detect potential coronavirus cases by measuring alterations in electromagnetic waves – were deployed at entry points to the emirate. All those commuting into Abu Dhabi from other parts of the country will need to undertake the EDE scan, regardless of whether they have the green pass.

Read: Covid-19: Abu Dhabi announces new border entry regulations

Furthermore, also starting December 26, Abu Dhabi revised its travel green list, with the number of destinations reduced to 73 from 95 previously. The countries excluded from the previous list are Algeria, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brunei, Burundi, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Ecuador, Estonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, San Marino, Seychelles, Tunisia and Uruguay.

Read: Abu Dhabi updates travel green list, number of destinations cut from 95 to 73