Abu Dhabi authorities have issued an updated list of procedures for people testing positive for COVID-19 or those who have been in close contact with an infected person.

Protocols for COVID-19 positive cases

As per the updated protocols, people in high-risk categories (those above the age of 50, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses) are required to visit a designated Covid-19 Prime Assessment Center for medical assessment and isolation measures. In order to end their isolation, they are required to get two negative results 24 hours apart. In other instance, they are required to conduct a PCR test on days eight and 10 after completion of the 10-day mandatory isolation people. To complete the isolation period, it is important that they do not show any symptoms in the last 3 days of isolation in accordance with medical evaluation.

Patients falling under other categories ( those with mild or medium symptoms and no chronic diseases) are required to retest in any health facility in the emirate. They can continue to isolate till the result comes negative. In case, the retest comes back positive, a specialist will contact them to complete the isolation procedures. In case of a negative test result, they are required to wait 24 hours and then take a third PCR test.

If the third test comes back negative, people can continue with their regular activities while following safety protocols to curb the spread of the virus.

Protocols for close contacts

An SMS will be sent to close contacts to get a PCR test and register for the home quarantine programme. They can do the same through the link provided in the SMS.

While vaccinated people are required to quarantine themselves for seven days, unvaccinated individuals are mandated to undergo 10-day quarantine.

If their PCR test returns negative, close contacts are required to continue quarantine and take an additional PCR test on Day 6 (for vaccinated individuals) or Day 9 (for unvaccinated). In case the second test also returns negative, close contacts can resume their usual activities in compliance with precautionary measures.

However, if the PCR test returns positive, high-risk categories and people with symptoms are mandated to visit a designated Covid-19 Prime Assessment Centre for appropriate medical assessment and isolation protocols.

On the other hand, people with mild or medium symptoms and no chronic diseases are needed to take another test at any health facility in the emirate and continue to isolate.

If the second test also comes positive, they will be contacted by a specialist for the completion of isolation procedures. In case the second test returns negative, close contacts are required to take another PCR test result within 24 hours. If the test returns negative, they can continue to carry out regular activities.

Close contacts can end their isolation in two situations:

· After they get two negative PCR test results 24 hours apart

· Complete their 10-day isolation with no symptoms in the last three days of isolation after proper medical evaluation. They are required to conduct a PCR test on days 8 and 10.