The Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergencies and Disasters Committee has updated the various preventive and precautionary measures implemented across the emirate. The Committee has stamped its approval to boost the operations ability of economic, tourism and entertainment activities in line with the approved precautionary measures. These comprise the shopping and entertainment centres, nurseries and restaurants.

The Committee has also increased the time period of validity of a negative PCR or DPI test result. The period has been increased to 72 hours from 48 hours. It has also replaced the Covid-19 tests that are done on days 4 and 8 from entry with a test that will be conducted on day 6 from entering the country. This is applicable to those who are staying 6 or more consecutive days in the emirate.

Committee has also approved the procedures for international travelers, including both residents and tourists. These include exempting travelers of quarantine coming from ‘green’ countries and reducing quarantine period to 10 days for travelers from other countries. All travelers are required to take a PCR test on day 6 if they are staying for 6 or more consecutive days, and also on day 12 if staying for 12 or more consecutive days. Country classifications will be revised every fortnight.

Regarding the international precautionary measures, the Committee has given green signal to reducing the quarantine period for those who have recently come in contact with a positive case to 10 days. This is if a PCR test on day 8 gives a negative result. Moreover, as announced earlier, participants in the National Vaccination Programme and Phase III of the vaccine clinical trials, having active icons on Alhosn app (golden star or letter E), are also exempted from any quarantine requirements when coming back from abroad or when in contact with a positive case.

Finally, the Committee also approved periodic screening programmes for the residents in industrial areas and communities which have a high population density and the employees of commercial activities in Abu Dhabi. It also approved expanding SEHA testing centres capacity located outside Abu Dhabi and closing testing centres at entry points. The committee revised its communication to community members to continue following the preventive and precautionary measures to ensure health and safety of all.