AR
UR
Abu Dhabi authorities have updated COVID-19 protocols for children coming in close contact with those infected with Coronavirus. As per the updated policy issued by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), children found to be in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case will be asked to undergo a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test twice only in certain cases. Furthermore, they are not required to undergo home quarantine.
Taking to social media, the ADPHC said that Abu Dhabi residents are required to follow the updated protocols in case of close contact with COVID-19 positive individuals depending on their age.
As per the announcement, here is the breakdown of the close contact procedure:
Rules for those under the age of 18
In case of close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you will receive an SMS alerting you to get the PCR test done. You are mandated to conduct a PCR Test on Day 1 and Day 4 from the date of the last contact with the confirmed case.
In case of no symptoms, you are not required to undergo home quarantine. However, if any symptoms appear, you are advised to stay at home and get a retest.
Rules for adults
You are required to conduct a PCR test daily for the next five days from the date of your last contact. The test can be conducted at any health facility in Abu Dhabi without the need to home quarantine.
If there are any symptoms, you must self-quarantine and take another PCR test.
For positive COVID-19 cases
If any symptoms appear, conduct another PCR test and follow the required isolation rules for confirmed cases in case of a positive test result.
There are no changes in isolation rules for those who test positive for COVID-19. However, they will not be required to wear a tracking wristband during their quarantine period, as per the updated rules by ADPHC.
Steps needed to be followed in case of a positive COVID-19 test result:
1. High-risk categories
High-risk categories include people aged 50 years and above, those with chronic disease, pregnant women and those having symptoms.
In accordance with the updated protocols, they are required to visit any designated COVID-19 Prime Assessment Centre for medical assessment and isolation measures.
In order to end isolation, they are required to either get two negative test results 24 hours apart or complete 10 days in isolation with having no symptoms in the last three days of isolation following medical evaluation.
2. Other categories
People with mild or medium symptoms and no chronic disease are required to retest at any health facility in the Emirate and continue to isolate.
In case of a negative PCR test result, they must wait for 24 hours and do a retest. If the second PCR Test is also negative, ADPHC advises them to resume normal activities and continue following precautionary measures in place to curb the spread of the virus.
However, if the PCR test is positive, they will be contacted by a medical specialist to complete their isolation procedures.
In order to end their isolation, they must either get two negative results 24 hours apart or complete 10 days in isolation with no symptoms in the last three days of isolation
Dh40 PCR test in Abu Dhabi
Earlier this month, Abu Dhabi authorities reduced the cost of PCR test at all medical facilities to Dh40. The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi announced the decision to reduce the cost of PCR Tests in the Emirate in accordance with consultations with concerned authorities.
SOURCE: Gulf News