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Abu Dhabi tightens Covid-19 testing rules to enter emirate

All DPI laser rapid testing results must be accompanied with a negative PCR test result received six days prior to entry

by Varun Godinho

August 26, 2020

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee along with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi have issued new rules governing the mandatory Covid-19 tests required for entry into Abu Dhabi and which will go into effect from Thursday, August 27.

Accordingly, entry will be permitted to those who have secured a negative PCR “nose swab” test within the previous 48 hours.

Also, entry within will be granted to those who have received a negative DPI laser test result within the previous 48 hours, provided it is supplemented with a negative PCR test result received within six days prior to entry.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in cooperation with @DoHSocial, approves two tests to enter the emirate effective 27 August 2020, enhancing precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/TclavviPUi

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 25, 2020

The earlier rules permitted entry to the emirate with a negative DPI test result alone and without the need of a supplementary PCR test.

The committee added that the same type of test cannot be taken twice in a row within six days.

Exempted from the Covid-19 testing rules for entry are volunteers of the Covid-19 Phase III vaccine trials currently underway within the country.

Read: UAE hits target of 15,000 volunteers for Covid-19 vaccine phase III trials

Volunteers are not only exempted from these entry rules but are also authorized to use emergency vehicle lanes too.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office tweeted on Tuesday night that those violating the new rules will be subject to fines and penalties determined by the Attorney General.

The UAE has, as of August 25, reported a total of 67,621 Covid-19 cases. There are now 8,490 active cases.

Officials have warned that if people do not observe necessary precautions, the country could be facing a potential second wave of the virus.

Read: UAE announces 390 new Covid-19 cases, officials warn of restrictions if ‘second wave’ hits