ABU DHABI — After vaccinating more than 93 percent of target groups in the emirate and enhancing precautionary measures to preserve public health, Abu Dhabi has decided to allow only those who are inoculated against coronavirus can access a number of public places, the UAE's official news agency WAM reported on Monday. The move, which will come into force on Aug. 20, 2021, has been taken by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Committee in line with the emirate's strategy to combat the coronavirus pandemic and complements preventive and precautionary measures taken to preserve public health. The committee stated the decision would enhance safety in areas that have been subject to additional precautionary measures and provide enhanced protection for community members. The committee approved the first phase to include shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and all other retail outlets, including those not within a shopping center, except supermarkets and pharmacies. The first phase of the decision also includes gyms, recreational facilities and sporting activities, health clubs, resorts, museums, cultural centers and theme parks, as well as universities, institutes, public and private schools and children nurseries in the emirate. The committee stated that the decision does not apply to unvaccinated individuals with vaccination exemption received through the approved process and registered on the Alhosn app, nor to children aged 15 and under. The committee emphasized that the decision is part of proactive measures put in place by the emirate which also include pre-emptive testing campaigns in industrial areas and densely populated areas, the use of modern and innovative technologies to detect infection, and the ongoing vaccination campaign, including offering a booster dose to those eligible. The committee continues to evaluate all procedures and measures as the situation evolves and stressed the importance of committing to precautionary measures as well as choosing to vaccine, with vaccination the most effective method for sustainable recovery.
