Abu Dhabi Media Office (ADMO) has given details on that decision to allow individuals into the emirate following negative COVID-19 test results underlying that children under 12 don’t need to get tested. Neither will cancer patients nor people with kidney conditions traveling for a medical reason.
People working in Abu Dhabi
For people who commute daily to Abu Dhabi, the ADMO advises organizing their time so to undergo test and receive the result within the 48 hour time period before entering. The test results can be presented on the Alhosn app or via a text message.
Affiliated centers
The test results will be accepted only if conducted by “healthcare centers affiliated with the National Screening Programme”. So, individuals can call and book a test in Seha screening centres, on (800) 50. The Seha app also allows you to check and book appointments. Finally, you can call the Estijaba helpline on (800) 1717, and Dubai residents can also book via the DHA on (800) 342.
The cost of testing
Standard testing costs AED 370. There are some categories who can pass a test for free:
• pregnant women;
• people of determination;
• people aged over 60;
• UAE nationals with domestic staff in their household;
• people with COVID-19 symptoms; and people who contacted individuals positive for coronavirus.
Waiting for the test result
The waiting time depends on the form of coronavirus. Considering the current demand for tests, obtaining results may take a little longer than usual. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests are the only option to provide for official purposes in the UAE.
Usually, it took 24 hours to receive test results, due to the backlogs it may take as long as four days. UAE carries out comprehensive screening and even with enough amount of tests, there can be a delay during peak times in busy locations.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus which is causing illness in humans and animals. Most people infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus will feel mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without any special treatment. Older people, as well as those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness, and require immediate assistance. Novel Coronavirus was first identified in a cluster with pneumonia symptoms in Wuhan city, Hubei province of China, quickly spreading around the world. On early March 2020, the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic had officially started, becoming the defining global health crisis of our time. Today, it is the greatest challenge people have faced since World War II, worsened by subsequent lockdowns of whole countries, collapse of entire industries, and a major economic recession.