The Human Resources Authority (HRA) OF Abu Dhabi has announced on Tuesday the guidelines related to Covid-19 testing of Abu Dhabi employees. All fully vaccinated employees are required to take monthly PCR tests and the non-vaccinated employees must take weekly tests. The employees will have to bear the costs of tests, both weekly and monthly.

The announcement was made by HRA through a series of tweets on Tuesday.

Till now a completely vaccinated employee, who has taken both doses and completed 28 days, was not required to take PCR test routinely. Starting January 18 the tests was made mandatory for unvaccinated government employee.

Furthermore, employees who have received a second vaccine dose but still haven’t completed 28 days and those having a medical certificate that exempts them from getting vaccinated must take a test every 7 days.

Fully vaccinated employees are exempted from PCR tests if special icons, E or golden star, is active on the Al Hosn app. These special icons would get activated once the PCR test is taken.

Some rules are to be followed by employees of service and vending contracts with government firms or other customers and visitors. The people who only want entry into a public building for a meeting or official; a task that wouldn’t require much time must have a negative PCR test taken within three days.

Different protocols are set for abroad returnees for government employees. People not yet vaccinated will have their quarantine period reduced from the annual leave balance. In case there is no balance, it will be taken as leave without pay. Remote working will not be applied to these individuals. Fully vaccinated people can report to work remotely.

A circular has been issued by the Department of Government Support, Abu Dhabi with details about groups who need to work remotely mandatorily. These include pregnant and nursing mothers, senior employees over 60 years of age, and people with chronic diseases and poor immunity. Employees with children who are learning online and in Grade 10 and below can also work remotely.

Authority also pointed out that government entities and firms must function with an overall capacity of 30%. They must wear face masks and follow social distancing and other protocols issued by the authority.