All residents now have to be tested negative for Covid-19 to enter Abu Dhabi, 48 hours before their travel time.
This decision has been made on account of the progress in reducing cases in the region. The government has said that Abu Dhabi has “achieved a low number of patients requiring hospital treatment.” Therefore, in an attempt to contain the spread, everyone entering Abu Dhabi needs to be tested. This rule is exempt for goods vehicles and specific government workers.
There are police at checkpoints who can stop travellers to examine their PCR nasal swab tests that are done in the past 48 hours. Your results can be shown through the Al Hosn app or text messages sent by the testing centres.
There are a number of places you can go to get yourself tested. The Aster Hospitals offer testing at AED 500 and their clinics charge AED330 for the same PCR test. There are lower-priced options being done at Burjeel and Medeor hospitals and clinics at AED 370. Mediclinic and SEHA screening facilities also offer similar rates.
These test results usually take up to five days to process and need to be planned a while in advance to get them in time for your travel dates. These rules are an attempt to deter unnecessary travel within the emirates as the authorities are still encouraging the public to stay home. People with medical appointments for cancer, kidney-related ailments and children under 12 are exempt from this rule.
The Abu Dhabi Government Media Office has stated that employees of ministries, local departments, diplomatic entities, companies, bureaus, offices of the ruling family and anyone on a special mission can apply for a one-day mission permit. This permit is valid for 14 hours, from 6 am to 8 pm and can be applied by emailing: [email protected].
The emirate has used everything in their arsenal to flatten the curve and it appears to be working. However, the effort needs to be sustained and these measures are in line with the goal to ensure the residents’ safety.
0 Comments