The covid-19 pandemic has taken over the world in a horrid way and countries across the globe are constantly innovating new ways to fight it out. As an addition to the many ways Abu Dhabi has fought back, the capital has now introduced a new system to detect Covid-19. Facial scanners are now being used in malls and airports in Abu Dhabi to detect Covid-19 cases. The new system was approved by the Abu Dhabi government after a successful trial in Ghantoot, Yas Island and Mussaffah.
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The Department of Health has authorised the use of EDE scanners to test for #Covid_19 infections, based on the results of a pilot trial held at various locations in the emirate. pic.twitter.com/dw68dTNJtR
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 27, 2021
EDE Scanners Are Used To Detect Covid-19 Cases In Abu Dhabi’s Malls & Airport
The Department of Health has authorised the use of EDE scanners to test for Covid-19 infections, based on the results of a pilot trial held at various locations in the emirate. More than 20,000 people were tested as part of the trial, which ran for two weeks. The results proved to be 93.5% sensitive and 83% specific.
The technology was developed by EDE Research Institute Abu Dhabi, under the International Holding Company (IHC). This detects possible infections by measuring electromagnetic waves that change when the RNA particles of the virus are present in the person’s body.
His Excellency Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary at Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has adopted an integrated strategy to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, based on increased testing to ensure safe entry into the emirate, vaccination and the continued implementation of precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee recently announced that only vaccinated residents will be permitted entry to certain public places in the capital. The new rule will be effective from Friday, August 20 2021.
Also read: Quarantine In Dubai & Abu Dhabi: Everything You Need To Know When Arriving In UAE
Only Vaccinated Residents Can Enter Restaurants, Cafes & Gyms
The committee rolled out a phased approached, in order to streamline the process. In the first phase, restaurants, cafes, shopping centres and retail outlets that are not within a shopping centre will permits only vaccinated individuals. However, supermarkets and pharmacies are exempted from the new rule.
In addition, the first phase also includes gyms, recreational facilities and sporting activities, health clubs, resorts, museums, cultural centres, theme parks, universities, institutes, public and private schools and children nurseries in the emirate.
Unvaccinated residents who have received an exemption from vaccination are and children aged 15 and under are not required to follow the new rule.
Also read: Facemask Rules & Exemptions You Must Know While Travelling To, From Or Through The UAE
Tourists Visiting Abu Dhabi, Not Eligible For Vaccine, Clarifies Abu Dhabi Government
Previously, it was announced that tourists in Abu Dhabi are eligible for free covid vaccination. However, the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office later clarified and said that the free vaccine is available to everyone with an expired residency visa or expired entry visa, which does not include holders of valid tourist or visit visas. However, those opting to be vaccinated need to have a local phone number to register on the app. Alternatively, visit visa holders can also book appointments by calling 800 50.
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