The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

In line with the efforts to expand testing for the early detection of COVID-19 infections, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated procedures for entering the emirate.

The Committee announced that starting from Saturday, Sept.5, residents and visitors can enter the emirate of Abu Dhabi within 48 hours of receiving a negative PCR or DPI test result. DPI test results no longer require a prior PCR test, the Committee confirmed.

“Residents and visitors who stay for six consecutive days or more within Abu Dhabi emirate must now take a PCR test on the sixth day of each visit, in order to protect the health and safety of the community,” it added.

The Committee also said the volunteers in the COVID-19 vaccine trials are exempt from these measures and are authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes for a smooth journey, stressing that violating those procedures would result in penalties and fines as outlined by the Attorney General.

Recently, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee announced, that, in cooperation with the Department of Health, it has approved two tests to enter the emirate in a step that enhances precautionary measures taken to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The new measures will become effective from Thursday August 27, 2020 and will allow entry into the Emirate of Abu Dhabi within 48 hours of receiving a negative PCR test result. The measures will also allow entry within 48 hours from receiving a negative DPI laser test result provided it is supplemented with a negative PCR test result received within 6 days prior to entry.

The Committee stipulated that the same type of test cannot be taken twice in a row within 6 days.

Volunteers taking part in the Phase III trials of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine are exempt from these measures and are authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes for a smooth journey.

The Committee affirmed that legal measures will be taken against those not complying with the measures and procedures related to limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and that violating these entry procedures will result in penalties and fines, as outlined by the Attorney General.

The Committee, in cooperation with the Department of Health and other related authorities in the emirate, will continue their efforts to build on the gains achieved so far to ensure overcoming the pandemic completely. The Committee renews its appeal to all members of the society to continue their cooperation and commitment to follow all preventive and precautionary measures.

An earlier report said the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) Authority said that the tourists or visitors would be given a 30-day grace period to leave the country after August 11.

The authorities said that tourists can change their status to continue their stay in the country.

The amendments were made on visit visas holders whose visa expired after March 1, and that they have time till August 11 to exit the country.

The ICA has advised the individuals to take advantage of the new rule without fines. Most tourists and visitors were not able to leave due to the novel coronavirus.

Brigadier General Khamis Al Kaabi, the official spokesperson for the ICA, said that tourists are welcome to visit country at any time in the future.

The ICA states that:

• As per the last amendments, it has been decided to grant entry permits and visit visa holders inside the country.

• A period of one month (30 days) to leave the country.

• The grace period is renewable one time by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

• After which, the entry permit or visit visa holder need to exit the country.