Abu Dhabi opens 18 new drive-through Covid-19 laser test centres at its borders

Abu Dhabi has opened 18 drive-through DPI laser testing centres at its border areas to facilitate entry into the emirate, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee said the new testing stations have been established on both sides of Al Faya Road, in Seih Sheib area, before Ghantoot.

It has also approved opening new lanes at the entry points between Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of efforts to enhance the flow of entry into the emirate, Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Twitter.

Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee establishes 18 drive-through DPI testing stations on Al Faya Road before Ghantoot and approves to open new lanes at the entry points between Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of efforts to enhance the flow of entry into the emirate. pic.twitter.com/dCmyuWicch

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 26, 2020

The new stations will add to the network of testing centres in Abu Dhabi and other emirates to meet the screening needs of all visitors entering the emirate within 72 hours from receiving a negative test result.

يوفر مركز فحص الفاية الجديد في منطقة سيح شعيب على طريق الفاية بالاتجاهين 18 محطة فحص بتقنية الليزر DPI، ويمكن للمراجعين إجراء الفحص من المركبة طوال أيام الأسبوع على مدار الساعة. pic.twitter.com/7JoN5MNh6z

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 26, 2020

The announcement comes after committee announced last week that SEHA testing centres would be closed at entry points, while increasing the capacity of centres located outside the emirate.

Abu Dhabi also modified its entry regulations for residents and visitors, extending the validity of a negative PCR or DPI test result used to enter the emirate from 48 to 72 hours.

It also replaced the tests done on days four and eight from entry with a test to be conducted on day six from entering the emirate for those staying six or more consecutive days.

Also, participants in the National Vaccination Programme and Phase III of the vaccine clinical trials who have active icons on Alhosn app (golden star or letter E), are exempted from quarantine requirements when returning from abroad or when in contact.

The committee also approved periodic screening programmes for the residents of industrial zones and communities with high population density and the employees of commercial activities in the Abu Dhabi emirate.

Read: Abu Dhabi updates entry guidelines for visitors, international tourists