Abu Dhabi eases Covid-19 restrictions on malls and events – News

The use of scanners to detect viruses has been obsolete, according to a notice sent to the agency

To further ease Covid-19 precautions, Abu Dhabi has stopped the use of EDE and thermal scanners at commercial and tourist venues and events, Cali era have learned.

However, a green pass on the AlHosn app remains a requirement to enter most public places in the UAE capital, including shopping malls.

EDE scanners – a face-scanning technology used to detect virus infections – have been placed at entrances since last year. Thermal scanners detect hyperthermia, a common symptom of Covid-19 infection.

“As directed by Abu Dhabi’s Covid-19 Pandemic Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee, EDE and thermal scans and events of commercial and tourist facilities have been cancelled. Instead, a green pass should be applied for,” Abu Dhabi Economic Development Department issued to agencies the notice said.

Several shopping centers have confirmed that their premises are no longer equipped with EDE and thermal scanners.

Mall managers are optimistic that green card requirements will also be eased as the number of new cases remains relatively low.

“The relaxation of the policy announced last month has had a positive impact on our business. I hope that as the number of new infections falls, the requirement for green passes will be lifted as soon as possible and we are entering winter, which will attract tourists to Abu Dhabi,” said a store manager.

Last month, local authorities eased Covid-19 protocols, including extending the validity of green passes to 30 days, the option of wearing masks in most public places and reducing the quarantine period to just five days. Additionally, cruise ship passengers and crew entering Abu Dhabi are not required to present a green pass to visit tourist attractions and venues. They can use a cruise-issued card or wristband instead.

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