Motorists must present negative nasal swab test to enter Abu Dhabi from Thursday, August 27

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in cooperation with Department of Health, approves two tests to enter the emirate effective 27 August 2020, enhancing precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. 

Entry will be allowed within 48 hrs of receiving a negative PCR test result, or with a negative  DPI laser test result accompanied by a negative PCR test result received within 6 days. The Committee states that the same type of test cannot be taken twice in a row within 6 days.

Volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trials are exempt from these entry measures and are authorised to use emergency vehicle lane for a smooth journey. Meanwhile, violating these procedures will result in penalities and fines as outlined by the Attorney General.

Under the new ruling, access to Abu Dhabi will be permitted within 48 hours of receiving a negative swab test.

Drivers can still undergo a DPI laser test near Ghantoot – but only if they can present a PCR test result received within the past 6 days.

The system means commuters could take a PCR swab test at the start of the week, then refresh it days later at the Ghantoot screening center.

In July, authorities allowed access to Abu Dhabi to those who had taken a DPI (diffractive phase interfereometry) laser test at screening center set up in Ghantoot, on the border between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The procedure does not confirm whether someone has in Covid-19, but does show whether the person’s red blood cells are surging to fight an illness.