Covid-19: Abu Dhabi eases entry rules, updates testing requirements

Abu Dhabi - More SEHA testing centres outside Abu Dhabi and closing testing centres at entry points.

By Web Report

Published: Tue 22 Dec 2020, 10:07 PM

Last updated: Wed 23 Dec 2020, 7:55 AM

Abu Dhabi is all set to welcome tourists starting today, the emirate’s Media Office has announced. “All international travellers will be required to present a negative PCR test result received within 96 hours of their scheduled departure and take a second PCR test upon entering the emirate,” a statement by the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.

As part of a series of new measures, testing centres in the Capital’s entry points will be closed from December 24 and the validity of mandatory tests extended from 48 to 72 hours, authorities said.

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A seven-point guideline approved by the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee added that the capacity of Seha testing centres outside the Capital will be increased.

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

International travellers — both residents and tourists — who will be coming from ‘green’ countries will be exempted from quarantine, and those from other destinations will have to stay in quarantine for only 10 days, the committee added.

“All travellers will need to undertake a PCR test on day six if they are staying six or more consecutive days, as well as on day 12 if they are staying 12 or more  consecutive days. Country classifications will be reviewed fortnightly.”

The committee also amended contact-tracing measures. Now, a shorter quarantine period of 10 days shall apply to those who have been in contact with a positive case, provided a PCR test is taken on day eight comes out negative.arting December 24, Covid-19 testing centres in the Capital’s entry points will be closed and the validity of mandatory tests extended from 48 to 72 hours, authorities said on Tuesday as part of a new series of safety measures.December 24, Covid-19 testing centres in the Capital’s entry points shall be closed and the validity of mandatory tests has been extended from 48 to 72 hours, authorities said on Tuesday as part of a new series of safety measures.

In the seven-point guideline approved by the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee, it added that the capacity of Seha testing centres outside the Capital shall be increased.

It has 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.

A number of quarantine and travel procedures have been amended.

International travellers —— both residents and tourists —— who will be coming from ‘green’ countries shall be exempted from quarantine, and those from other destinations will have to stay in quarantine for only 10 days, the committee added.

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“All travellers will need to undertake a PCR test on day six if they are staying six or more consecutive days, as well as on day 12 if they are staying 12 or more consecutive days. Country classifications will be reviewed fortnightly.”

The committee have also amended contact-tracing measures. Now, a shorter quarantine period of 10 days shall apply to those who have been in contact with a positive case, provided a PCR test is taken on day eight comes out negative.

Also, as previously announced, 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.

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

reporters@khaleejtimes.com