UAE: Electronic tracking announced for people who test positive for COVID-19 May 24 /update 37

Event

Emirati authorities announced on Sunday, May 24, that individuals who have tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and people who have come into contact with them are required to wear an electronic wristband linked to the COVID-19 testing and tracing app Alhosn. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or those they came into contact with are required to self-isolate. The wristband will only be removed after two COVID-19 tests produce negative results. Failure to wear the wristband and install and use the app will incur an AED 10,000 (USD 2723) fine.

Government officials previously started a nationwide campaign to encourage individuals to download the Alhosn app, which first launched on April 26 in an effort to monitor and curb the spread of COVID-19.

Emirati authorities announced on Wednesday, May 13, that the reopening of parks and hotel beaches will be allowed in Dubai; however, no more than five people are permitted to gather together as the UAE begins the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management is further allowing the refund and return of goods and the use of fitting rooms in shopping malls and retail outlets. Furthermore, tram and ferry services have also resumed operations. Mosques, cinemas, public beaches, and nightclubs remain closed.

As of May 24, health authorities have confirmed 28,704 COVID-19 cases and 245 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.