Abu Dhabi health authorities have exempted medical staff coming in close contact with COVID-19 patients from mandatory quarantine. The Department of Health-Abu Dhabi (DoH) has stressed that the new measure is for healthcare facilities dealing directly with COVID-19 patients.

At the same time, medics are urged to strictly comply with necessary procedures, including obtaining a PCR test every 48 hours and ensuring that there are no infection symptoms during healthcare work practice/duties. In case of any symptoms, health workers are directed to stop working immediately and quarantine themselves.

Dr Adel Al Sisi, CMO, consultant of intensive care at Prime Hospital, noted that the authorities are changing regulations in accordance with the COVID-19 situation in the country.

“Earlier, the Ministry of Health and Prevention had made it mandatory for the medical worker who was in close contact with a COVID-19 positive case to quarantine or isolate themselves. But there was no need to undergo PCR tests,” he said.

However, depending on the symptoms, authorities have implemented relevant changes. If the health worker is vaccinated and wearing protective equipment throughout their duty while treating the patients and shows no symptoms, they are exempt from quarantine. However, if they develop symptoms, healthcare workers will have to undergo quarantine themselves for adequate treatment.

In another circular, the DoH announced the extension of its decision to allow all UAE-licenced health professionals to work within Abu Dhabi-licenced health facilities until the end of December 2022.

The decision to extend the move has been taken in line with the current pandemic situation and ongoing efforts to contain the impact of the pandemic crisis. Authorities also affirmed that the new decision is aimed at serving the Abu Dhabi community by providing the best medical services and curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.