Abu Dhabi authorities have updated the procedures to enter the emirate after the capital is witnessing a slight rise in the number of Covid-19 cases. These measures brought in by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee are as per the announcement, it will be effective from next month.

Till now, Abu Dhabi had been managing the spread of virus efficiently and to further increase its efficiency as an emirate, the authorities are taking these steps. Like before, the requirements include entry in the emirate within 48 hours of receiving a PCR test result, which will ensure whoever is entering is not carrying the virus.

Another measure that has been added into the already existing list is that whoever wishes to stay in the emirate for more than four days must get a PCR test on the fourth day which means that for every extension in the stay, one must get tested every fourth day.

If one is unable to get a PCR test then you might go for DPI test but this test will only be valid if done before 24 hours and not 48 hours like in the case of PCR test. One of the major clauses with DPI test is that it cannot be used twice to enter the emirate and that could be traced using Alhosn application created by the Abu Dhabi authorities.

If you were to enter the emirate with a DPI test, then on the third day of your arrival, you must take a PCR test. The procedure is the same as the PCR test according to which you have to keep taking a test every fourth day. For example if you have taken a PCR test on February 3 then you will again have to ensure a test on February 7.

This is applicable to all the UAE residents including those living in Abu Dhabi. All of the citizens are included in the protocols except those who are volunteering for the Phase II vaccine clinical trials under the national vaccination programmes. These volunteers have active icons in their applications marked by gold star or the letter E. They are also required to adhere to the protocols set for them.

Since these measures are taken to curb the spread of the virus, authorities have decided to impose fines on those who refuse to abide by these steps. 

WAM