• Medical workers conduct Covid-19 antigen tests on Palestinians entering Israel from the Gaza Strip. Bloomberg
    Medical workers conduct Covid-19 antigen tests on Palestinians entering Israel from the Gaza Strip. Bloomberg
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    Commuters wearing protective masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 get out of a tram in Istanbul. Turkey says the highly contagious Omicron variant now makes up more than 10 per cent of new cases in the country's crowded provinces. AP
  • A nurse collects samples at a Covid-19 drive-through in the NMC Hospital, Dubai Investments Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A nurse collects samples at a Covid-19 drive-through in the NMC Hospital, Dubai Investments Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National
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    Pharmacies in the UAE have started selling Covid-19 self-testing kits. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Audience members wear protective masks during a lecture in Ankara, Turkey. AP
    Audience members wear protective masks during a lecture in Ankara, Turkey. AP
  • An Egyptian worshipper lights candles during Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Cairo. AP
    An Egyptian worshipper lights candles during Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Cairo. AP
  • Worshippers attend Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Cairo. AP
    Worshippers attend Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Cairo. AP
  • People arrive to receive Covid-19 vaccine doses at a facility in Kuwait City. EPA
    People arrive to receive Covid-19 vaccine doses at a facility in Kuwait City. EPA

Abu Dhabi tightens Covid restrictions at social events


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Covid-19 guidelines for hosting indoor and outdoor social events have been enhanced, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said on Sunday.

The new guidelines are now in force and apply to events from weddings to house parties.

Venues hosting social events such as wedding ceremonies, funerals and family gatherings are to have 60 per cent maximum occupancy, the new rules say.

The maximum number of people permitted at indoor events is 50, and no more than 150 people are allowed at outdoor events and open-air activities.

Social events at home should not include more than 30 people.

Entry to social events also requires adherence to existing precautionary measures, including showing a green pass on Al Hosn App, presenting a negative PCR test result received within 48 hours and wearing masks while observing physical distancing.

Inspection and monitoring will be increased to ensure compliance with all preventive and precautionary measures to help maintain a low Covid-19 infection rate in the emirate, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said.

The committee urges the public to continue observing precautionary measures by avoiding crowded places, wearing masks that cover the nose and mouth, practising physical distancing by keeping at least two metres apart, and regularly washing and sanitising hands.

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

Marathon results

Men:

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Updated: December 28, 2021, 8:26 AM