Tighter rules have been announced for residents of Dubai who have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Close contact is classified as someone who comes within a metre or less of a person testing positive for a period of 15 minutes or more.
Acts such as handshakes or hugs with an individual two days before getting symptoms or two days before testing positive are considered a direct contact as well.
It also applies to anyone who had direct contact with a positive case, such as a handshake or a hug, two days before the symptoms appeared, two days before a positive test, or during the ten days they were sick.
Those who come into close contact with a positive case must be quarantined for seven days in a separate room. Although the Dubai Health Authority may not call to clarify that they are following the guidelines, it is their job to do so.
A PCR test will not be required while in quarantine if they haven't shown any symptoms of Covid-19. If they develop symptoms such as a cough or fever while under quarantine, they must schedule a PCR test.
An isolation of ten days is mandatory if the person turns positive. If the report is negative, the person has to complete the seven day isolation.
Even if the person was wearing a face mask and maintaining a social distance when they came into close contact with the COVID-19 positive individual, the regulations remain the same.
Home quarantine is allowed, however if there is a vulnerable person in the household, paid isolation can be observed at a hotel or government facility.
A letter verifying that the individual has completed the seven-day quarantine can be acquired by calling the DHA’s toll-free number 800342.
