AR
UR
Dr. Taher Al Ameri, Official Spokesman of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), recently addressed a COVID-19 media briefing of the UAE Government to announce the updated travel protocols for unvaccinated UAE citizens. Effective from April 19, 2022, the updated protocols are in line with the UAE's policy to achieve sustainable recovery and enhance return to normalcy in the country. As per the new protocols, unvaccinated individuals are allowed to travel if they present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours before their departure. They are also required to complete the necessary travel application form on the Al Hosn app in order to change their status to green.
The official urged the public to follow the necessary precautionary measures before and after their travel in order to ensure safety and wellbeing of all community members. They must contact the diplomatic missions of their destination country abroad in case of any suspected infection. Furthermore, they are urged to use the Tawajudi service provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
At the same time, he announced the updates in travel protocols for passengers arriving in the UAE. As per the new rules, unvaccinated travellers aged under 16 are exempted from presenting a negative PCR test result upon arrival. However, they must comply with necessary preventive measures.
The UAE has been witnessing a decline in COVID-19 infections in view of the efforts ensured by the health sector and concerned national authorities. The UAE has achieved numerous successes in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, thanks to the inter-agency cooperation and the community.
Since the onset of the pandemic crisis, all authorities have been working proactively to ensure the readiness of response teams and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure. They have utilised relevant national resources, strengthened strategic reserves, and established an accurate statistical system to limit the impact of the pandemic.
He underlined the importance of protecting these achievements with the help of public commitment and cooperation of community members.
The UAE continues to explore the best methods and practices to address the pandemic. Relevant authorities continue to monitor all local and international variants of COVID-19 to design proactive measures to enhance social awareness and protect the society.
He also stated that the UAE has topped the list of countries in terms of the rate of fully-vaccinated individuals against COVID-19 in the index issued by the "Our World In Data" website.
"In the same index, the UAE ranked second globally in terms of the number of PCR tests per 1,000 people, and fourth in terms of the rate of vaccinated individuals per 100 people, as well as first in terms of rate of those who have received at least one vaccine dose," the official added.
Furthermore, the UAE ranked tenth globally in terms of the number of tests administered, and ninth in having the lowest number of deaths. The UAE has not registered any COVID-19 deaths since March 8, 2022.
In conclusion, Dr. Al Ameri urged all community members to continue adhering to the precautionary measures, including wearing face masks, practising social distancing, regularly sanitising hands and avoiding crowded areas.
"Adhering to the precautionary measures and being socially responsible, as well as protecting the country’s achievements, are important now more than ever, in order to maintain the stability achieved in the face of new variants," he added.
SOURCE: Wam