Video: New scanners to detect potential Covid cases for entry to Abu Dhabi, public places

Abu Dhabi - The advanced technology provides immediate results.

A Staff Reporter

Published: Thu 17 Jun 2021, 2:45 AM

New advanced scanners that detect Covid-19 will be piloted in Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said the new “state-of-the-art” scanners will add to existing Covid safety precautionary measures, with no changes to any existing protocols.

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The technology screens for potential Covid-19 infection and provides immediate results. It is operated at a distance and is effective for mass screening, such as at the entry to public locations.

During the pilot phase, the scanners will be used at entry points to the emirate; the entrance to select public locations on Yas Island; and at designated points to enter or exit Musaffah area.

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If the scanner identifies a person as not infected, they are permitted to enter. If the scanner turns red and identifies a person as potentially infected, they must conduct a PCR test within 24 hours. All PCR tests related to red results are free.

The new system of scanners will be an add-on to the existing precautionary measures. As of now, people entering Abu Dhabi need to show a negative PCR test result within 48 hours or a negative DPI test result within 24 hours.

The initiative is in line with Abu Dhabi’s four-pillar strategy to combat Covid-19 focused on vaccination, active contract tracings, safe entry and adopting preventive measures.

It is “part of efforts to further enhance the protection of public health and safety by using the most advanced technology”, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said.

It comes a day after the implementation of ‘green pass’ Covid safety protocol in the UAE Capital.

The pass is activated after a resident or tourist gets a negative Covid PCR test result. Its validity, however, depends on your vaccination status.

It is one of three colour codes that will be reflected on Al Hosn app based on Covid vaccination status and PCR test result. The other two colours are grey (PCR validity has ended); and red (PCR test result is positive).

Since June 10, the health authorities have also launched a comprehensive and intense free PCR screening targeting the densely populated areas of Musaffah. Meanwhile, proactive testing continues across other parts of the emirate too.

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office