PCR tests every two days for unvaccinated UAE federal government staff

Employees who have not taken a Covid-19 vaccine must undergo a swab test every 48 hours

Unvaccinated people who work in federal government departments must be tested every 48 hours from August 29

Latest: Coronavirus blog updates

Related: How UAE pupils are preparing for new academic year

Federal government employees who are not vaccinated must now take a coronavirus PCR test every two days.

The decision, announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources on Sunday, will come into effect on August 29.

Previously the requirement was for a test every seven days.

The rule affects employees of all ministries and federal government departments. Local government departments are not necessarily affected by the decision.

In addition, any outsourcing companies and public contractors must ensure any unvaccinated employees entering federal offices are tested every two days, at the expense of the employer.

At 73 per cent, the vast majority of the population in UAE has been vaccinated.

Vaccine clinics see rush as Abu Dhabi rules come into effect - in pictures

• 

  Abu Dhabi residents wait to be vaccinated against Covid-19 at the Biogenix Labs at G42 in Masdar City. Victor Besa / The National

• 

  From August 20, most public spaces in the emirates will use the Al Hosn app as official proof of vaccinations and PCR results. Victor Besa / The National

• 

  Only people who are considered low-risk will be permitted to enter government department buildings and most public spaces. Victor Besa / The National

• 

  The UAE is recommending all residents get vaccinated against Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

• 

  Booster shots can now be taken without prior appointment at any Seha vaccination centre, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi has said. Victor Besa / The National

• 

  Mirza Zaib, from Pakistan, gets vaccinated at Biogenix Labs G42 in Masdar City. Victor Besa / The National

• 

  Nurse Dennise Docil prepares before administering the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the NMC Royal Hospital DIP in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

• 

  Nurse Deboral Musthafa gets ready to administer the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the NMC Royal Hospital DIP. Chris Whiteoak / The National

• 

  Fiji Antony receives her Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the NMC Royal Hospital DIP. Chris Whiteoak / The National