Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE authorities have announced on Wednesday fresh COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming festive season due to the emergence of the virus mutants.

The health authorities said that with the festive season and official celebrations approaching, we announce the protocol for celebrating the birth of Christ and the New Year, which includes a number of requirements to ensure the health and safety of society during the celebrations.

The authorities said protocol includes that one family is allowed to sit in one place without the need to apply social distancing.

The experts said, “Venues for celebrations will have a capacity of 80 per cent.

“Participants must provide a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours.

“Visitors must undergo mandatory body temperature testing.”

Health experts said, “We urge the organisers of events to regulate entry, avoid over-crowding and use barriers at entrances and exits.

—Wear face masks at all times in enclosed places and avoid overcrowding, in addition to leaving a 1.5-metre safe distance.

— Regularly sanitising places and providing sanitisers at the entrances and exits of restrooms.

—Respecting social distancing during celebrations.

— Members of the same family are allowed to sit together without the need to practice physical distancing.

— Refrain from shaking hands.

The experts in respective emirates will form teams to verify the implementation of precautionary measures.

The health experts said, “We emphasize the social responsibility and the pivotal role played by members of society to preserve the gains achieved by the state during the crisis, and move forward for sustainable recovery.

“We call upon members of society to cooperate and adhere to preventive measures to confront Covid-19 by committing to wearing a mask, staying away from crowded places and permanent sterilization, the health of our society is a priority and responsibility of each one of us.”