Close contacts of Covid-19 cases spreading the virus by failing to quarantine, says DHA

People should complete 10 days of quarantine even if they have no symptoms or have tested negative

A boy wearing a face mask takes his dogs on a stroll on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A Covid-19 safety sign on Al Qahirah street in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Checkers line up at the entrance of Global Village with masks and face shields. Reem Mohammed / The National

Abu Dhabi residents on their Friday morning fitness ritual. Victor Besa / The National

Bridal facemask at Contessa Bridal Dubai in City Walk in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An employee at The Meydan Hotel in Dubai sanitises the reception area to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lifeguard at The Meydan Hotel with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Hygiene and Covid-19 safety measures take place at a fitness class at Bare. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady works on her laptop while wearing a mask at Times Square in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People wear masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Satwa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Coronavirus safety measures are taken at 815 Dance & Performing Arts Training Centre in Silicone Oasis in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady takes part in an art installation which comes to life via augmented reality with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Close contacts of people who should be in quarantine at home are contributing to the spread of Covid-19, Dubai Health Authority said.

Authorities said they regularly hear “common misconceptions” from people who assume incorrectly that they present no risk to others.

Some believe they are in the clear because they have tested negative, or have no symptoms, DHA said.

Others think they are already immune because they have had Covid-19 and recovered.

All of those assumptions are wrong, it said.

The department said that people who report being “tired” of wearing masks or who continue to plan gatherings risk spreading the virus.

This month, DHA said close contacts should complete 10 days of quarantine, whether or not they test positive for the virus or show symptoms.

This is because most people develop symptoms five to six days after they have been exposed, though the incubation period can be up to 14 days, and possibly longer in some cases.

A close contact is defined as anyone who has spent more than 15 minutes with a confirmed Covid-19 case without maintaining social distancing.

The 10-day period begins from the last meeting with the confirmed case.

Infections in the UAE are currently hovering around 2,000 a day, although the vast majority of sufferers fully recover.

Since the start of the pandemic 1,140 people have died from complications caused by the virus.