UAE Covid vaccine: Abu Dhabi approves coronavirus testing, travel protocols

Fully vaccinated people can enjoy ease of travel by taking an additional PCR test, the local authorities said on Sunday as Abu Dhabi tightened norms for entering the emirate.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee for the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi approved the screening protocols for people who have taken both the doses either as part of the national vaccination drive or the Phase 3 clinical trial.

UAE Covid vaccine: Abu Dhabi approves screening protocols for vaccinated residents

According to the new protocols, both the categories of fully vaccinated people, i.e., those who have taken both the doses, will receive special symbols on their Al Hosn App – ‘E’ for the participants of the national vaccination programme and a golden star for the volunteers of the clinical trial.

For the ‘E’ sign, people must have completed a minimum of 28 days after taking the second dose.

However, the symbol will appear only after a person takes a PCR test. And the validity of the symbol is seven days. If a person has to continue enjoying the travel benefits, then another PCR test is required.

With either ‘E’ or a golden star, a person is exempted from both the new travel norms implemented in the Capital from Sunday, i.e., entering Abu Dhabi within 48 hours of receiving the negative PCR or DPI test result, and taking mandatory PCR tests on day four and eight of staying in the emirate.

Travel procedures

Those arriving from ‘green’ countries, regions and territories, must take a PCR test on arrival and again on day six, without the need to quarantine. Those arriving from other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test on the eighth day.

Contact with positive cases

“If in contact with a positive case, they must quarantine for five days and take a PCR test on day 4. If the result is negative, the quarantine can end,” the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com