UAE to hold Covid-19 briefing on Sunday

Face mask rules in select indoor public places, Al Hosn green status and isolation periods are still in place

As of September, face masks have not been mandatory, even in indoor public places, except at certain sites such as hospitals and places of worship. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Face masks are still required on public transport. Victor Besa / The National

Children at the Indian High School celebrate UAE flag day. Schools no longer require teachers or pupils to wear face masks. Pawan Singh / The National

A negative PCR test is required every 30 days to keep the Al Hosn app status green. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE government will hold a Covid-19 briefing at 5pm on Sunday.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said tomorrow's broadcast would contain Covid-19 updates.

In its most recent briefing, televised on September 26, Ncema said it would end publishing its daily tally of Covid-19 cases, which it first began in March 2020.

During the same briefing, Ncema said that masks were no longer mandatory in most indoor public places.

People should still wear them in places of worship, hospitals and on public transport.

The use of masks in indoor public places had been in effect for two and a half years.

Other rules that stayed in place were the green pass on Al Hosn App and isolation rules for infected people.

People still need to take a PCR test every 30 days for the pass to remain green.

Those who are on Evusheld medication, used to prevent Covid-19, must take a PCR test every 7 days for the pass to stay green.

The current quarantine period is 5 days and on the sixth day, the QR code on the app will turn green.

If people recover before 5 days, they should take two PCR tests within 24 hours for the pass to turn green

Covid-19 briefings were held regularly during the pandemic — at first weekly, before being reduced to fortnightly — to provide vital information to the public on the country's fight against the virus. The briefings have included announcements of new safety measures.

The Ncema stopped holding the briefings in May, saying they would be "reinstated only if exceptional developments arise regarding the pandemic in the country".