The Abu Dhabi Committee for Emergencies, Crises and Natural Disasters has announced new rules for entering the UAE capital from neighboring emirates, which will come into force on December 19, 2021.
The new rules are being introduced in connection with the increase in the number of detected cases of COVID-19 infection in recent days. So, on Wednesday, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention identified 148 positive cases after 340,100 PCR tests.
Starting next Sunday, Abu Dhabi authorities will use EDE scanners to check drivers and passengers at checkpoints at the entrance to the capital. The scanners developed by the EDE Research Institute in Abu Dhabi can detect COVID-19 infection using electromagnetic waves.
The presence of coronavirus RNA particles in the human body helps the device produce a test result immediately, so the authorities do not expect traffic congestion due to the introduction of new measures. Scanners will also not collect personal data from motorists.
Those who are suspected of COVID-19 will be redirected to the testing center for a free antigen test – the results will be ready within 20 minutes. Currently, EDE scanners are installed in shopping centers in the capital emirate.
The new measure is aimed at protecting human health and will help keep the COVID-19 infection rate low (today it is kept at 0.05% of the total number of PCR tests).
Currently, motorists do not need to show a negative PCR test or green pass on the Al Hosn app to enter Abu Dhabi. However, presenting a green pass is mandatory to visit public places in Abu Dhabi.