People with certain medical conditions to be exempted from wearing face mask

Our Correspondent

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Police have asked residents with certain medical conditions to apply for permits for exemption from wearing face masks, according to a Twitter announcement. Applicants can do so by visiting http://dxbpermit.gov.ae. The application will be processed within five days.

The applications, which will be evaluated by DHA’s General Medical Committee Office, should include a medical report that confirms the applicant suffers from medical problems that can be aggravated by face masks. Apart from medical reports, other important documents that must be submitted include the applicant’s Emirates ID.

Categories of people eligible for a mask exemption include:
– Those suffering from fungal dermatitis, especially if they have severe symptoms in the face like bleeding, itching and scaly skin.
– Those allergic to any component of a mask (allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, contact urticaria).
– Individuals with severe herpes simplex infection that affects the mouth, nose or face.
– Individuals with acute and uncontrolled chronic sinusitis.
– Patients with uncontrolled asthma.
– People of Determination who have mental and psychological conditions.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention on November 9 said it carried out over 85,643 additional COVID-19 tests in the country over the last 24 hours, which uncovered 1,146 new cases. The total number of recorded cases in the UAE now is 143,289. An additional 668 individuals had recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of recoveries to 138,959.

One COVID-19-related death was recorded, taking the country’s death toll to 515.