Abu Dhabi Updates Rules, Employees To Now Get Tested For COVID In Every Two Weeks

by Yogita Chainani
Abu Dhabi Updates Rules, Employees To Now Get Tested For COVID In Every Two Weeks

Abu Dhabi is slowly opening up fully amid the pandemic. After resuming the public buses between Emirates, the capital has also announced new updated for the working class. Yep, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced safety protocols for employees. A circular is circulated to restaurants and cafes, supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, fruit and vegetable retailers, mall and commercial centre employees. Here’s everything you must know about it.

Also read: Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba Wetland Reserve To Reopen On 1 January

Employers Of The Company Will Pay For The Tests

As per the updated guidelines, from January 10, 2021, employees working in the above-mentioned sectors will have to get a covid-19 test done after every two weeks. The cost of the test for the employees will be taken care of by the employers. This new rule has come into play in Abu Dhabi to create a safe and healthy environment while limiting the effects of the pandemic.

Citizens Who Have Taken Vaccine Shot Do Not Need To Take A Test

However, not everyone needs to take this test. When it comes to testing, individuals who have taken a vaccine shot are exempted from the testing. Meanwhile, not only this but Abu Dhabi has also its travel rules for passengers. 

Also read: Dubai Rolls Out Pfizer Vaccine, Launches Free Vaccine Drive For Its Citizens

Abu Dhabi Updates Covid Rules For Passengers 

As per the latest updates, travellers from countries in the green list will not need to quarantine. The countries currently on the green list are- Australia, Brunei, China, Greece, Greenland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The changes are in place to boost the tourism and economic activities of the emirate. 

As for the quarantine, people travelling from other countries will have to quarantine themselves for 10-days now. Earlier, the quarantine period was 14 days. Travellers planning to stay in Abu Dhabi for longer than a week have to take a PCR test on day six and day 12, that is, if they remain in the emirate for 12 consecutive days. 

Also read: Abu Dhabi Welcomes Its First Eco Glamping Retreat, Lets You Spend A Night Immersed In Nature

Rules For Entering Abu Dhabi

The validity of a negative PCR test result to enter Abu Dhabi from other emirates is extended from 48 to 72 hours. As mentioned above, passengers who stay for more than six days will now be tested again on day six. Initially, a PCR test had to be done on days four and eight from the date of entry.

Testing In Abu Dhabi

For testing, the committee has mentioned that screening programmes for residents of industrial zones and highly populated communities will be carried periodically. Testing capacity will also be increased at Seha screening centres outside the emirate. Testing centres at entry points to Abu Dhabi will be closed, which means, tests must be done before driving to the emirate.