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Updated 27 September 2022

The UAE government requires confirmed cases of COVID-19 to undergo a period of either home or institutional quarantine depending on the severity of their symptoms. Those serving quarantines are required to fully comply with the rules and requirements set by the health authorities. Note that violating home quarantine will expose you to legal liabilities.

Here’s everything you need to know about home quarantine UAE.

Home quarantine in the UAE

The UAE health authorities define home quarantine as restricting movements and avoiding contact with others by isolating yourself at home or a hotel for a specified period of time.

As per the latest regulations, the required period of a home quarantine is 5 days following a positive test result.

Here are the latest quarantine measures for travellers to the UAE:

Vaccinated

Vaccinated arrivals to the UAE can present a valid vaccination certificate reflecting that the traveller is fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates, and must include a QR code. No quarantine is required for vaccinated arrivals to the UAE.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated

Travellers who are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated and entering the UAE must present a valid negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate issued within 48 hours from the time of sample collection to the time of boarding and the certificate must be issued by an approved health service provider with a QR code. No quarantine is required for unvaccinated arrivals to the UAE.

Recent recoveries

Arrivals to the UAE who have recently recovered from COVID-19 can present a valid medical certificate issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from COVID‑19 within 1 month from the date of recovery to the date of arrival. No quarantine is required in the UAE for travellers who have recently recovered from the virus.

 

Residence requirements for home quarantine

For Dubai, the requirements are as follows:

  • The patient’s health is stable
  • The patient’s place of residence includes a separate room with a private bathroom
  • The patient has access to an effective means of communication, such as an active phone number and internet connection
  • The patient’s household members are willing and able to adhere to the guidelines and precautions of home isolation. Additionally, none of the patient’s household members is classified as a high-risk category
  • A basic first-aid kit that includes a thermometer is available

For Abu Dhabi, the above requirements are also applicable but with some additions as follows:

  • access to educational materials on home quarantine
  • access to basic services; water, electricity, garbage disposal, air conditioning, ventilation and entertainment
  • access to medicines for the treatment of chronic diseases
  • access to basic supplies like food, clothing, laundry services and hygiene supplies
  • access to communication devices and networks for monitoring by health workers, reporting symptoms and accessing services and family support

All individuals undergoing quarantine must also download the Al Hosn appViolation of home quarantine rule is viable to a fine of AED 50,000.

For more details about quarantine and safety protocols, please visit the UAE government portal.

PCR testing during home quarantine

Dubai

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has set up the following guidelines for positive COVID-19 cases in the emirate:

  • Immediately isolate yourself in a separate room after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result, and inform your direct manager and HR department, if working.
  • Download the COVID-19 DXB app and follow the required steps.
  • Even if you do not have any symptoms, you must still complete the 5-day home or institutional quarantine. You will not need to undergo another PCR test upon completion of the isolation period.
  • If you begin to develop any symptoms, you can contact the DHA through the toll-free number on 800 342 to book an appointment at a COVID-19 assessment centre.
  • Once you complete the isolation period, you will get a COVID-19 clearance certificate via SMS.
  • If you cannot meet the conditions for home isolation, you can contact the DHA (800 342) to request for a transfer to an institutional isolation facility.

Dubai does not require those undergoing home quarantine to take PCR tests, nor are they required to test negative to end their home isolation.

The main requirement of ending home quarantine is completing the 5-day isolation with improved symptoms and no observable fever for at least three days without the aid of fever-reducing medications. 

Abu Dhabi

Like the rest of the Emirates, the home isolation period for positive testing patients in Abu Dhabi is 5 days. 

Preparing for home quarantine

Whether at home or hotel, quarantine can potentially be stressful. That’s why it’s imperative for you to prepare yourself accordingly if you’re obliged to self-isolate. Here are some of the steps you can take to ensure a less-than-stressful home quarantine.

  • First of all, mentally brace yourself to face isolation. Going into quarantine in an appropriate state of mind will significantly alleviate some pressure or stress. 
  • Enlist the help of your friends and family. Let them know that you may need to impose on them in procuring groceries, medicines, and other supplies.
  • Make sure to prepare a sufficient amount of non-perishable food items in your kitchen or pantry the likes of canned food, powdered milk, and frozen vegetables.
  • Commit yourself to a healthy lifestyle. You can still choose to have a healthy diet and partake in physical exercises even in quarantine. Also, don’t forget to get enough rest.
  • Set a daily schedule so that you can still be productive and engaged. 

 

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