The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee for the COVID-19 Pandemic has updated procedures to enter Abu Dhabi from within the country as part of proactive efforts to contain and eliminate the spread of COVID-19. The new procedures are effective from Sunday, 17 January.

The committee approved allowing entry into the emirate within 48 hours of receiving a negative PCR or DPI test result, instead of 72 hours. It also approved mandatory PCR tests on day four of entry for those staying for four days or more, and on day eight of entry for those staying for eight days or more. The day of entry into Abu Dhabi is counted as day one.

The procedures apply to all UAE citizens and residents, including Abu Dhabi residents, except for those vaccinated as part of national vaccination programmes and volunteers in the Phase III vaccine clinical trials who have an active status (letter ‘E’ or gold star) on the Alhosn app.

The committee renewed its call on community members to continue their cooperation and commitment to following preventive and precautionary measures, reminding everyone that those who fail to follow the procedures are liable for fines.

FIFTH SHIPMENT TO CHECHNYA:The United Arab Emirates on Friday gifted a fifth shipment containing 6 metric tonnes of medical supplies and testing equipment to Chechnya. The shipment, which was offered as a gesture of appreciation in the fight against COVID-19, will assist approximately 6,000 healthcare workers.

“The UAE’s efforts to operate an air bridge for emergency medical supplies to assist the medical sector in Chechnya reflects the strength of our relations and the UAE leadership’s keenness to assist all friendly countries in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, with 25.3 metric tonnes of medical assistance sent by way of the air bridge on four aircraft in recent months,” said Dr Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation.

“The UAE hopes that this gift will enhance capacity among healthcare workers and provide them with additional protection,” Al Jaber noted.

To date, the UAE has responded to the COVID-19 crisis by providing over 1,742 metric tonnes of aid to 128 countries in need, supporting more than 1.7 million medical professionals in the process.

WAM