Abu Dhabi removes PCR test rules for entry from other emirates


Rory Reynolds
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Related: Abu Dhabi drops need for wristband trackers for arriving passengers

Abu Dhabi authorities will no longer require people to get tested for coronavirus before they enter the capital from other emirates, the government said on Saturday.

The move comes into effect on Sunday.

Officials said the decision was made after the recent drop in cases in Abu Dhabi. As of last week, just 0.2 per cent of people tested were found to have the coronavirus. Since July 2, 2020, anyone driving into Abu Dhabi has had to show police at the border they have had a recent PCR test and are negative for the virus.

Nationwide, cases have dropped significantly, to as few as 500 a day. Last week, the government said 80 per cent of the population were fully vaccinated.

"The decision follows the announcement of a decreased Covid-19 infection rate in the emirate of 0.2 per cent of total tests and the activation of the green pass system to enter some public places," Abu Dhabi's Government Media Office said.

"The committee will continue to monitor infection rates and urges all citizens, residents and visitors to continue adhering to precautionary measures to protect public health and safety, maintain successes and advance the nation’s sustainable recovery."

In a separate announcement, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said people entering the capital from abroad, including arrivals at the airport, will no longer need to wear an electronic wristband during home quarantine. Positive cases must still wear a wristband.

  • The UAE's Al Hosn app acts as a health pass to secure entry to public buildings, malls, education facilities, restaurants and venues in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Khushnam Bhandari / The National
    The UAE's Al Hosn app acts as a health pass to secure entry to public buildings, malls, education facilities, restaurants and venues in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Khushnam Bhandari / The National
  • Signs at Khalidiyah Mall inform customers about the current 'green pass' entry rules. People are required to have the 'green status' on the Al Hosn app to enter many public places.
    Signs at Khalidiyah Mall inform customers about the current 'green pass' entry rules. People are required to have the 'green status' on the Al Hosn app to enter many public places.
  • People who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus remain green as long as they have a PCR test once every 30 days.
    People who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus remain green as long as they have a PCR test once every 30 days.
  • People who are unvaccinated must be tested every three days to remain green.
    People who are unvaccinated must be tested every three days to remain green.
  • People will be required to show their vaccination status before entering public buildings.
    People will be required to show their vaccination status before entering public buildings.
  • This 'green status' system is only in place in Abu Dhabi.
    This 'green status' system is only in place in Abu Dhabi.
  • To maintain vaccinated status on the Al Hosn app, a third booster dose must be taken six months after the second dose has been administered.
    To maintain vaccinated status on the Al Hosn app, a third booster dose must be taken six months after the second dose has been administered.
  • The new rules apply to citizens, residents and tourists.
    The new rules apply to citizens, residents and tourists.
  • Signs at the entrance to Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi inform people to show proof of vaccination upon entry.
    Signs at the entrance to Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi inform people to show proof of vaccination upon entry.
  • A widespread media campaign informed members of the public about the new requirements.
    A widespread media campaign informed members of the public about the new requirements.

"The committee has approved continued strict adherence to home quarantine procedures and required testing schedules based on personal responsibility, as well as monitoring by healthcare systems to ensure compliance with precautionary measures. Violators will be reported to the Attorney-General," it added.

Green pass needed to enter public places in Abu Dhabi

Although people entering Abu Dhabi from Dubai no longer need to show a test result, they are still required to have the 'green status' on the Al Hosn app to enter many public places.

Security staff at public buildings, malls, restaurants and venues will check that entrants have a green pass.

People who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus remain green as long as they have a PCR test once every 30 days.

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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
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  • Adapt your business model. Make changes that are future-proof to the new normal
  • Make sure you have an online presence
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The cost of Covid testing around the world

Egypt

Dh514 for citizens; Dh865 for tourists

Information can be found through VFS Global.

Jordan

Dh212

Centres include the Speciality Hospital, which now offers drive-through testing.

Cambodia

Dh478

Travel tests are managed by the Ministry of Health and National Institute of Public Health.

Zanzibar

AED 295

Zanzibar Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, located within the Lumumba Secondary School compound.

Abu Dhabi

Dh85

Abu Dhabi’s Seha has test centres throughout the UAE.

UK

From Dh400

Heathrow Airport now offers drive through and clinic-based testing, starting from Dh400 and up to Dh500 for the PCR test.

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Bogleheads follow simple investing philosophies to build their wealth and live better lives. Just follow these steps.

•   Spend less than you earn and save the rest. You can do this by earning more, or being frugal. Better still, do both.

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•   Forget timing the market. Nobody knows where share prices will go next, so don't try to second-guess them.

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French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

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Updated: September 19, 2021, 12:38 PM