Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The use of EDE and thermal scanners at commercial and tourism enterprises and events in Abu Dhabi has been suspended as part of the easing of Covid-19 precautionary measures. The Green Pass on the AlHosn app is still required to visit most public locations in Abu Dhabi, including retail malls. Since last year, EDE scanners — a facial scanning devices designed to detect viral infections — have been installed in doors. High body temperature, a common indication of Covid-19 infection, is detected using thermal scanners. “According to the instructions of Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 pandemic, EDE and thermal scanning at commercial and tourist facilities, and events were cancelled. Instead, the Green Pass shall be applied,” said a circular issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development to establishments. Several commercial malls have reported that EDE and thermal scanners have been removed from their premises. Mall managers believe that if the number of new cases remains low, the necessity for a green pass will also be eased. “The relaxations announced last month have had a positive impact on our businesses. I am hoping the green pass requirement will be removed soon as the number of new infections are going down, and we are entering winter season, which draws tourists to Abu Dhabi,” a mall manager said. Local governments eased Covid-19 protocols this month, including extending the validity of green passes to 30 days, making masks optional in most public locations, and shortening the isolation period to five days. Also, passengers and crew of cruise ships entering Abu Dhabi have been exempted from showing green passes to visit tourist attractions and establishments. They can instead use cards or wristbands issued by cruise ships. BKM/ Expat Media
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