UAE introduces vaccine booster plan and new rules for socialising

UAE introduces vaccine booster plan and new rules for socialising
Only those who have received the vaccine will be able to attend live events in the UAE from next week.
2 min read
26 May, 2021
People walk past a COVID-19 vaccines announcement outside a medical centre in Dubai. [AFP/Getty]

The UAE has ruled that starting from 6 June only those who have been vaccinated for Covid-19 can attend live events, while plans are underway for a third booster shot to be rolled out.

State health sector spokeswoman Dr. Farid Al-Hosani said Tuesday that people will be assessed to make sure they meet the health criteria to receive a third dose of the vaccine.

"We confirm that the priority is to administer the supporting dose of the vaccine," she said during a weekly coronavirus briefing.

She added that the first stage will be open for the elderly and those with chronic diseases.

Dr Al Hosani said at an earlier date that residents in the UAE will be offered booster shots of most coronavirus vaccines this year, but not until six to eight months after a second dose, according to local media.

"The duration might differ from vaccine to vaccine, but it's expected that after six to eight months... most of the Covid-19 vaccines will require a booster dose," she had previously told Dubai Eye radio.

As for the new rules which will go into effect early next month, attendees will have to present a negative PCR test taken at least 48 hours before being permitted to attend a live event.

Precautionary measures, such as wearing a mask, will still apply.

The UAE has been one of the fastest countries in the world with its vaccine programme, with nearly 12 million having been administered so far.

It saw a spike in cases related to Covid-19 after thousands went to New Years celebrations in Dubai, with some countries temporarily banning flights from the Gulf state.

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