The Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai has announced a massive and free vaccination campaign in Dubai against COVID-19 using the Pfizer vaccine. The campaign will begin on December 23.
The first batch of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived from Brussels on an Emirates SkyCargo flight on December 22 night, Dubai Media Office tweeted.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention announced on December 22 night that the emergency registration of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine would begin.
The UAE Fatwa Council has legalised the use of COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with the objectives of the Islamic Sharia to protect the human soul.
Abu Dhabi updates COVID precautionary measures
The Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergencies and Disasters Committee has updated the preventive and precautionary measures implemented in the emirate.
The Committee has approved increasing the operational capacity of economic, tourism and entertainment activities to the optimal level possible and in accordance with the approved precautionary measures. These include shopping and entertainment centres, restaurants and nurseries.
The Committee has extended the validity of a negative PCR or DPI test result used to enter the emirate from 48 to 72 hours, and replaced the tests done on days 4 and 8 from date of entry with a test to be conducted on day 6 after entering the emirate for those staying 6 or more days.
Furthermore, the Committee approved procedures for international travellers, both residents and tourists. As per these procedures, travellers from ‘green’ countries will be exempted from quarantine while the quarantine period for travellers coming from other countries will be limited to 10 days. All travellers will need to undertake a PCR test on day 6 if they are staying six or more days, as well as on day 12 if they are staying 12 or more days. Country classifications will be reviewed fortnightly.
The Committee approved reducing the quarantine period for those who have been in contact with a positive case to 10 days only, provided a PCR test taken on day 8 yields a negative result. Those who participated in the National Vaccination Programme and Phase III of the vaccine clinical trials and have active icons on Alhosn app (golden star or letter E) are exempted from quarantine requirements when returning from abroad or when in contact with a positive case.
The Committee approved periodic screening programmes for residents of industrial zones and communities with high population density and employees of commercial activities in Abu Dhabi emirate. It also approved increasing the capacity of the SEHA testing centres located outside Abu Dhabi emirate and closing testing centres at entry points.
