People who test positive for Covid-19 in the UAE do not have to take a PCR test in order for their status on the Al Hosn app to turn from red to green.
Red status on the Al Hosn app reflects a recent positive PCR test.
Changing the status on the app to green, which shows that you do not have Covid-19, is normally achieved through a negative PCR test.
But in an update on the Al Hosn app under 'Pass Protocol', the guidance says you have two options to change the status from red to green.
If you have tested positive, the app says you can "quarantine for 10 days and wait for your code to turn green automatically on day 11".
The app says this green code will stay for 30 days, after which you must take a PCR test every 14 of the next 60 days.
Alternatively, the app says "if you are completely recovered within 10 days, you can take two negative PCR tests and get a green code for 30 days".
"Please make sure the second test is 24 hours later than the first test.
"After that, please take a PCR test every 14 days in the next 60 days."
Maintaining green status
It is common for people who have had Covid-19 and recovered to continue to test positive for some time.
Sensitive PCR tests can pick up traces of the virus in the nasal cavity, even if the person is no longer contagious.
The latest change recognises this and avoids a situation in which people cannot return to green status to visit public places.
The Al Hosn app was originally designed to track and trace contact with Covid-19 cases, but its remit has broadened to support the country's nationwide vaccination drive.
The app allows the user to show proof of a coronavirus vaccine or a recent test.
Green status can be secured by fully vaccinated people who have received two doses of any approved Covid-19 vaccine in the UAE.
It requires a booster shot six months after a second shot to stay active.
A PCR test taken every 14 days maintains green status.
Groups exempt from vaccinations will be allowed to enter government buildings if their status on the app is green. But they will need to take a PCR test every seven days. Children under 16 are exempt.
In Abu Dhabi, green status is required for entry to many public venues.
Grey status on the Al Hosn app means a person is fully vaccinated or exempt but the PCR test has expired. It can also turn grey if you have not received a booster dose after six months or have not completed two doses.
The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
Recipe
Garlicky shrimp in olive oil
Gambas Al Ajillo
Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
180ml extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 5 large cloves of garlic, minced or pureed (or 3 to 4 garlic scapes, roughly chopped); 1 or 2 small hot red chillies, dried (or ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes); 400g raw prawns, deveined, heads removed and tails left intact; a generous splash of sweet chilli vinegar; sea salt flakes for seasoning; a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Method
▶ Heat the oil in a terracotta dish or frying pan. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the garlic and chilli, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until golden and aromatic.
▶ Add a splash of sweet chilli vinegar and as it vigorously simmers, releasing perfumed aromas, add the prawns and cook, stirring a few times.
▶ Once the prawns turn pink, after 1 or 2 minutes of cooking, remove from the heat and season with sea salt flakes.
▶ Once the prawns are cool enough to eat, scatter with parsley and serve with small forks or toothpicks as the perfect sharing starter. Finish off with crusty bread to soak up all that flavour-infused olive oil.
ICC T20 Team of 2021
Jos Buttler, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, David Miller, Tabraiz Shamsi, Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mustafizur Rahman, Shaheen Afridi
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