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The UAE has updated its flagship vaccination and testing app, Al Hosn, as part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Al Hosn stores records of previous PCR tests and proof of vaccination and has been an important tool in allowing access to Abu Dhabi from other emirates.
The screen display features a colour-coded system to show Covid-19 status.
Green means a negative PCR test remains valid, grey identifies this test status has expired and red indicates a positive PCR test. The date a person received a second dose is also featured on the individual profile screen display of the app.
Abu Dhabi Media Office announced on Tuesday that the app now offers easy access to a user's Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The certificate can now be downloaded through the app.
How to download the vaccination certificate?
Users simply need to click on their name after opening the app to access the home page featuring their profile pic and details of their testing and vaccination status.
Then tap the tab on the top right-hand corner of the screen which allows you to share test results and vaccination reports.
After selecting vaccination report, there is an option to share the certificate to a number of channels, such as to email or Google drive.
The certificate features the logos of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Department of Health and Dubai Health Authority and a QR code.
Unlike, for example, the vaccination certificate provided by Dubai Health Authority, it also includes a profile picture.
Other upgraded features include a live QR code and travel testing information.
The update comes as Abu Dhabi prepares to introduce new rules from August 20 that will restrict the access of those who remain unvaccinated to some public places in the emirate.
Proof of vaccination – which can be demonstrated using Al Hosn app – will be required to enter venues such as shopping centres, restaurants, cafes and all other retail outlets, including those not within a shopping centre.
Also included are gyms, health clubs, recreational and sports centres, resorts, museums, cultural centres and theme parks, as well as universities, institutes, public and private schools and nurseries in the emirate.
Alhosn app has new features to help protect your health. Download or update the app to see your status (green, grey or red) based on your most recent PCR test and vaccination status, as well as vaccination information and certificate, any travel testing and a live QR code. pic.twitter.com/lwjp3zZBPR
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 10, 2021
The directive was set out by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee in June.
The decision does not apply to those with a vaccination exemption registered on Al Hosn app, nor to children aged 15 and under.
Brig Khamis Al Kaabi, from the federal immigration authority ICA, said during a televised Covid-19 briefing on Tuesday that tourists and new residents who were vaccinated abroad would be able to upload their vaccine certificates from August 15.
This will be particularly important, as Al Hosn is expected to be widely used when Abu Dhabi introduces its restrictions on access to public places.
The app is also being increasingly used for travel, with several airlines accepting it as official proof of PCR tests when passengers check-in at airports.
The UAE has pushed forward with a nationwide vaccination campaign in an effort to bolster public health.
More than 17 million vaccine doses have been administered to the public, with more than 72 per cent of the population receiving two doses.