Covid-19: UAE updates guidelines for close contacts of positive cases

Each emirate set its own rules to tackle the coronavirus

People will no longer have to wear face masks outside. The rule applies across the UAE. Antonie Robertson / The National

Masks must still be worn in all public indoor areas, such as shopping centres and schools. Pawan Singh / The National

The UAE has scrapped PCR testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers. AFP

Tracking wristbands that were in use in Abu Dhabi to monitor the movement of people with Covid-19 will no longer be used during home isolation. Photo: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office

Ncema has approved the return of the pre-pandemic time intervals between the first and second prayer calls. AFP

People who come into close contact with a person with Covid now only have to test on day 1 and 7, or when they start showing symptoms, authorities have said.

Previously people had to take a PCR test for five consecutive days.

The new close contact rule, which came into force on Friday, was announced by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (Ncema) on Wam, the UAE's news agency.

Each emirate has the freedom to set its own rules and in Dubai close contacts of positive cases who are not experiencing any symptoms do not have to take a PCR test.

The UAE has seen a steady decline in the number of new cases being reported each day.

Health authorities announced 347 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, with no deaths reported for the 18th consecutive day.