Coronavirus: New requirements for entering Abu Dhabi announced

The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic on Wednesday announced new requirements for entering the emirate.

Starting Sunday, November 8, all UAE citizens and expats, including returning Abu Dhabi residents, must enter the emirate within 48 hours of receiving a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or diffractive phase interferometry (DPI) laser test result.

Residents and visitors will need to undergo additional tests in the emirate based on their period of stay.

If they stay on for more than four days, they must mandatorily take a PCR test on the fourth day. The day of arrival is counted as the first day. If they stay for more than eight days, they must take another PCR test on the eighth day.

The new requirements nullify the earlier rule announced on September 4, where a mandatory PCR test had to be taken on the sixth day.

“Those failing to take the PCR tests on day 4 and 8 are liable for fines,” the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office tweeted.

The requirements explained

The media office illustrated the new requirements with this example: “If entering Abu Dhabi on Sunday (day 1), and staying for four or more days, a PCR test is mandatory on Wednesday (day 4). If staying for eight or more days, a PCR test is mandatory on Wednesday (day 4) as well as on the following Sunday (day 8).”

The move has been taken to “enhance preventative measures for the early detection of Covid-19”.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com