Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi requires a COVID-19 PCR test after six days, threatens fines

Anyone entering Abu Dhabi must take a PCR COVID-19 test on the sixth consecutive day they spend in the emirate or find themselves liable for fines and legal proceedings, announced the Abu Dhabi Media Office via Twitter on Saturday.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Abu Dhabi has put in place various testing regulations for residents and visitors, taking steps to control its internal border with the other emirates of the UAE.

For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.

Since September 5, entry to the emirate requires either a negative COVID-19 PCR test result or a negative DPI laser test result within 48 hours – not both, as was previously required.

Read more: Coronavirus: Entering Abu Dhabi requires either COVID-19 PCR or laser test, not both

In the latest update, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee for the COVID-19 Pandemic clarified that anyone entering Abu Dhabi must also take a follow-up PCR test on their sixth day in the emirate or face fines or legal measures.

The six days must be consecutive, meaning that people will not be liable to take the test if they leave the emirate in under six days and then return, although they would still need to take either a PCR or DPI test to gain re-entry.

Volunteers in Abu Dhabi’s COVID-19 vaccine trials are exempt from the measures and are allowed to use emergency vehicle lanes to travel.

Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) cut the cost of PCR tests from 370 dirhams ($100) to 250 dirhams ($68) last week. Several hospitals in Dubai similarly reduced the price of their PCR tests to 250 dirhams or less.

The UAE is currently experiencing a second spike in coronavirus infections, with 1,007 new cases on Saturday marking the single highest daily increase since the onset of the pandemic.

Read more:

Coronavirus: Dubai Police arrest man with COVID-19 for breaking home quarantine

Coronavirus: UAE records highest daily spike in COVID-19 cases with 1,007 new cases

UAE urges public to follow coronavirus countermeasures as COVID-19 cases rapidly rise