Dubai Police to issue permits for face mask exemptions

The Dubai Police will now begin issuing permits to residents who apply for an exemption to the mandatory rule for wearing face masks, provided that they can prove that they have a medical condition which necessitates an exemption.

Applications can be made through Dubai Police’s website www.dxbpermit.gov.ae.

The application will be processed within five days. The validity of the exemption granted to an applicant will depend on his or her health condition.

DHA, in partnership with @DubaiPoliceHQ announced that residents with certain medical conditions can now apply for permits for exemption from wearing face masks through https://t.co/wsEu9Yhd5n. pic.twitter.com/74cfXBrS1B

— هيئة الصحة بدبي (@DHA_Dubai) November 9, 2020

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has partnered with the Dubai Police for this initiative, with the DHA’s General Medical Committee Office responsible for evaluating the applications, which must include a medical report, confirming the applicant suffers from medical grievances that can be aggravated by face masks.

Apart from medical reports, key documents that must be submitted include the applicant’s Emirates ID.

The following are the categories of individuals who will be exempted from the face mask rule:

– Those suffering from fungal dermatitis, especially if they have severe symptoms in the face like bleeding, itching and scaly skin.

– Those allergic to any component of a mask (allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, contact urticaria).

– Individuals with severe herpes simplex infection that affects the mouth, nose or face.

– Individuals with acute and uncontrolled chronic sinusitis.

– Patients with uncontrolled asthma

– People of determination who have mental and psychological conditions.

The DHA added that while wearing masks is not mandatory for people who receive the exemptions, it encouraged them nonetheless to wear it in public places as far as possible to protect themselves and others from the risk of the Covid-19 infection.