As part of sweeping changes to precautionary measures that have been in place for nearly two-and-a-half years, most COVID rules have been relaxed in the UAE. The new rules will come into force from Wednesday, September 28.

Residents have contributed to stabilizing the Covid situation by adhering to the rules, a government spokesperson said. Daily infections continue to decline and deaths caused by the virus remain virtually zero.

We must put public health at the top of our priority list despite the stability of the situation," the spokesperson cautioned.

In coincidence, the relaxed rules come on the 1,000th day since the first Covid-19 case was reported to the World Health Organization.

The full list of changes is as follows:

- Rules for masks

Masks have been made optional in most public areas, including schools.
They remain mandatory in mosques, places of worship, medical facilities and public transportation means.
They are mandatory for Covid patients and suspected cases.
They are recommended for the elderly, those with chronic diseases and people of determination.
Food service providers must be masked.

- Flights

Mask wearing inside flights is no longer a governmental requirement, and it’s left to airlines to enforce it onboard.
For those flying out of the UAE, Covid rules at the destination country will apply.

- PCR test rules for close contacts of Covid patients; isolation of patients

Infected patients need to isolate for just five days.
Close contacts need to take a PCR test only if they have Covid-19 symptoms.
It is recommended that close contacts from vulnerable categories, such as the elderly and people of determination, undergo PCR tests.

- Places of worship and mosques

Mandatory social distancing between worshippers is no longer required.
Masks remain compulsory.
Worshippers at mosques must bring their own prayer mats.

- Green Pass on Al Hosn app

Validity increased from 14 days to 30 for vaccinated individuals. This means the pass will remain green for 30 days after a negative PCR test.
Unvaccinated people need to get a PCR test every seven days to retain the pass.
Passes are mandatory for entry to some public places in Abu Dhabi and federal government offices.

- Daily announcements of Covid cases to stop

The government will no longer announce the number of cases daily. Instead, the figures on official websites will be updated.