Beginning today, January 17, a set of new screening protocols for residents who have been vaccinated and those who have participated in the COVID-19 vaccine trials will take effect in Abu Dhabi.

The announcement was made by Abu Dhabi Media Office on Sunday, January 16, on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee and the Department of Health.

Currently, those who have been vaccinated are identified into two groups – those who received the vaccines as part of the COVID-19 trials in the emirate and those who have received it as part of the national vaccination program.

Those who were part of the national vaccination program can get their special identification status by taking a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test 28 days after their second vaccine shot. The letter ‘E’ will be seen on Al Hosn app for their special identification status.

According to the new protocol, these individuals do not need to undergo regular checks. Instead, they will need to get a PCR test done once every seven days to keep up their special status.

Meanwhile, those who took part in the COVID-19 vaccine trials can get their special identification status by taking a PCR test after all the doses prescribed in the trials are completed.

They must also undergo regular medical checks as part of the trials, and will also need to get a PCR test done every seven days to retain their special status, which is a golden star on the Al Hosn app.

RETURN FROM TRAVEL

These individuals who have traveled and set to return from countries, regions or territories on the ‘green list’ will have to undergo a PCR test upon arrival. There will also be a subsequent test to be done on Day 6 of their arrival. However, they will not be required to undergo quarantine.

As for those who have traveled to places not included in the ‘green’ list, they must take a PCR test upon arrival and one more on Day 8. They are now required to complete a ten-day quarantine.

Should they come into contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19, they are advised to quarantine themselves for five days and take a PCR test on Day 4.

If results came out negative for COVID-19, they may end their quarantine.

Abu Dhabi on Sunday implemented more stringent measures for those entering the emirate.

This developed following the high number of COVID-19 cases increased and hit a record high of 3,432 on Saturday. (ES)

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee and Department of Health have approved screening protocols in Abu Dhabi for those vaccinated as part of the national vaccination programmes and volunteers in clinical trials of Covid-19 vaccines, effective 17 January. pic.twitter.com/QnluGvDGKl

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) January 17, 2021