Amid efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Abu Dhabi authorities have issued a new list of COVID-19 guidelines and safety measures for tour guides and operators with the aim of protecting the health and wellbeing of everyone, including visitors and tourists.

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT) issued a new circular, directing all tour guides, tour operators, and desert camp operators to adhere to the new safety protocols aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

In the circular, the department has warned of legal action against violators and offenders in accordance with the legislation in force.

Some of the safety protocols include the allowance of a maximum of 20 clients in open spaces and 10 clients in closed spaces per tour. In addition, a negative COVID-19 test certificate is mandatory before taking the tour. Visitors and tourists are required to wear face masks all the time. Furthermore, tour guides have been asked to prepare one-way routes such that two groups do not cross paths.

Here is the list of newly-issued COVID-19 safety protocols for tour guides and operators:

1.     Maximum of 20 clients in open spaces and 10 clients in closed spaces per tour. The group must be accompanied by one tour guide and must follow all precautionary measures.

2.     Tour guide is required to undergo COVID-19 testing prior to the tour, according to the frequency set by federal circulars. Tour guide can continue work if PCR test result is negative

3.     In case the tour guide experiences any COVID-19 symptoms (even if they are mild), they must refrain from conducting the tour.

4.     All tour guides are directed to install the Al Hosn application.

5.     Temperature checks must be conducted for all individuals, including tour guides and clients. Thermometers must be provided by tour operators.

6.     Any client with body temperature of 37.3 degrees Celsius or higher should be escorted to a nearby designated isolation room. In addition, the 'Estijaba' service at the Department of Health (8001717) must be alerted in accordance with the local COVID-19 protocols.

7.     Alternatively, any suspected cases should be escorted to the nearest healthcare provider for evaluation. While the individual is allowed the leave the premises immediately if they want, tour guides are required to obtain their contact details and Emirates ID.

8.     Clients with flu-like symptoms must be denied from accessing the tour. In addition, they must be immediately reported to "Estijaba" service at 8001717.

9.     Tour guides must inform clients about all prevention restrictions, hygiene measures, limitations, or modifications ahead of the service.

10. All information related to the tour must be provided by the tour guide to the group, including how the visit will be conducted, route, rules and/or possible restrictions issued by providers such as museums, monuments, etc.

11. All clients must be encouraged to adhere to safety measures by tour clients for their health and safety.

12. Tour guides must prepare one-way routes to avoid groups crossing at places like small towns or historical centres by coordinating with other tour guides.

13. Tour guides are required to contact the attraction and confirm the booking for the tour beforehand.

14. All clients and tour guides must wear masks at all times. Non-compliance with safety protocols will result in refusal of entry to the tour and public attractions.

15. Tour guides who choose to wear gloves must do so in front of clients and use them accurately. It is also recommended to wash hands before and after the visit and whenever equipment is shared.

16. Clients must be directed to avoid socialising with people outside their own group to maintain social distancing. Physical distance of 2m must be maintained between the tour guide and clients, as well as between clients themselves, throughout the tour.

17. Any form of greetings and/or goodbyes involving physical contact must be avoided. Tour guides, providers, clients have been urged to avoid greeting with physical contact, including shaking hands.

18. Tour guides must ensure availability of hand sanitisers for the clients.

19. Tour guides must immediately throw away any personal hygiene waste, such as tissues or PPE, in authorised containers or waste bins.

20. All tour guides and clients are urged to wash hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer. It is particularly crucial after sneezing, coughing and after touching public surfaces such as knobs, railings, etc.

21. Thoroughly disinfect personal items such as mobile phones, glasses and microphones, with soap and water, or a disinfectant solution. It is recommended to use specific cleaning products that are applied with a cloth or disinfectant wipes to clean electronic equipment.

22. Tour guides and clients must use properly disinfected or single-use headsets/radio guides. If they are not single-use, clients must disinfect their hands before and after use. Clients must return the devices after placing them in a bag which will be sealed. Other alternatives can be considered.

23. Client voice reception systems (headphones, etc.) that are not single-use must be immediately disinfected at the end of the service. They must be cleaned before being used by another person.

24. It is recommended to use one disposable cover per person for microphones that may be used consecutively by several tour guides.

25. All materials used during the service must be properly disinfected at the end of the service.

26. Tour guides are directed to avoid sharing work equipment or devices with other guides. If certain equipment or devices are shared (walkies, radio guides, telephones, umbrellas, etc.), they must be cleaned and disinfected after every service.

27. While seeing monuments, walking tours and stops must be conducted in open and/or wide spaces in order to maintain a safe distance of 2m.

28. Tour guides must coordinate with suppliers prior to the service to avoid crowding when groups arrive.

29. For attractions with specific dress code guidelines, visitors must be informed by tour guides prior to the visit. If the tour guide is providing clothing, it should be single-use only.

30. In case the clients are being transported by cars provided by tour operators, the maximum number of people allowed in one car is three, including the driver.

31. In case visitors are being transported by buses, seating arrangement in each row should follow physical distancing rules. Furthermore, each passenger must sit in the same seat every time they get on the vehicle.

32. Clients must be provided with sanitizer gel and wipes in the car and buses for safety purpose. Tour guides, drivers and clients must wear masks throughout the journey.

33. Organisations must ensure that vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before and after each trip.

34. Tour guides must avoid printed material such as maps, brochures, etc. If needed, the printed material should be enclosed in plastic to ensure ease in cleaning and disinfecting after use.

35. Use ATM cards and other contactless means of payment as much as possible to avoid the use of cash.