Covid in UAE: PCR test must every 2 days for unvaccinated govt staff

Dubai - The new rule comes into effect from Sunday, August 29.

Federal government employees who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will need to take a PCR test every two days. Previously, unvaccinated federal government staff were required to take the PCR tests every seven days.

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This came in a circular issued by the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources (FAHR). It applies to employees of federal government departments and ministries.

The new rule comes into effect from Sunday, August 29. The PCR testing rule also applies to employees who are medically not eligible take the vaccine.

The FAHR circular added: “Outsourced and public services companies contracted by federal government entities must conduct a PCR test every 48 hours for their employees working on a full-time basis at government offices.”

The said companies will bear the expenses for conducting the tests. Employees who have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are exempted.

Consultants and experts who are required to attend meetings or be present at government office premises must have a negative result of a PCR test conducted no more than 48 hours prior. Vaccinated individuals are exempted.

Previously, the FAHR had announced that unvaccinated individuals must present a negative PCR test result to visit federal government departments and ministries. The test must have been taken within 48 hours of the visit.

Some private companies in the UAE, too, have amended their workplace visitor policy, restricting their premises to only vaccinated people.

“The government sector and a few private companies have amended their workplace visitor policy to restrict their premises to only vaccinated visitors to protect employees being exposed to the disease,” said Mayank Patel, country head for Adecco Middle East, a global HR Solutions firm, had said.

The UAE is among the most vaccinated countries. Close to 85 per cent residents have received at least one dose of the life-saving jab. Close to 75 per cent of residents are fully vaccinated against the virus.

Vaccines in the UAE are administered for free. They are available to residents aged three and over.

• Abu Dhabi