Abu Dhabi to restrict access to public places to vaccinated people only

The Abu Dhabi Government has advised that it will restrict access to a selection of public places to vaccinated people only as of late August.

Announced by the from the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, and set to come into effect from Friday 20th August, only vaccinated people will be allowed to enter certain public places in Abu Dhabi.

The first phase of the new precautionary measures, which were approved by the Committee, includes gyms, recreational facilities and sporting activities, health clubs, resorts, museums, cultural centres and theme parks, as well as universities, institutes, public and private schools and children's nurseries.

It also includes shopping centres, restaurants, cafes, and all other retail outlets, including those not within a shopping centre, except supermarkets and pharmacies in the Emirate.

However, according to a report from Abu Dhabi Media Office “the decision does not apply to unvaccinated individuals with vaccination exemption received through the approved process and registered on Alhosn app, nor to children aged 15 and under.”

It was added that the decision is part of proactive measures put in place by the Emirate, which also include pre-emptive testing campaigns in industrial areas and densely populated areas, the use of modern and innovative technologies to detect infection, and the ongoing vaccination campaign, including offering a booster dose to those eligible.

It was revealed by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee that more than 93% of target groups in the Emirate have been vaccinated.

On Monday, Abu Dhabi started using EDE Covid-19 scanners at various shopping malls, some residential areas and all land and air entry points in the emirate, as a means of detecting Coronavirus.