Coronavirus: More testing now needed to cross Abu Dhabi border

Rules apply to anyone staying for more than four days in the capital

Nearly 6,000 people are tested at the Ghantoot laser centre every day. Antonie Robertson / The National

Medics at the Ghantoot testing centre on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi use a laser technique to scan a blood sample for signs of surging red blood cells, which is an early sign the body is fighting off a virus. Antonie Robertson / The National

A medic testing a commuter for Covid-19. Antonie Robertson / The National

The results of the Diffractive Phase Interferometry test, or DPI, which detects viral presence in the blood, including Covid-19, are received in minutes via a text message. Antonie Robertson / The National

The test costs Dh50 and is very quick compared with the PCR test that can take time to get a result. Antonie Robertson / The National

The facility was set up to allow commuters who require a negative Covid-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi. Those with negative results can continue their journey. Antonie Robertson / The National

Emiratis and residents entering Abu Dhabi from any other emirate will need to undergo up to three Covid-19 tests under new rules governing the capital's borders.

From Sunday November 8, drivers must present a negative DPI blood test or PCR nasal swab result that was received within the past 48 hours.

If they are staying in the emirate longer than four consecutive days, they must undergo a PCR test on the fourth day. The day of arrival into Abu Dhabi is counted as day one.

If a person is staying longer than eight consecutive days, they must under go another PCR test on the eighth day - in addition to the test on day four.

For example, if someone enters Abu Dhabi on Sunday, the first day, and plans to say longer than eight consecutive days, they must undergo a PCR test on Wednesday, the fourth day, as well as the following Sunday, the eighth day.

Volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trials are exempt from these measures.

The rapid DPI blood test is Dh50, while the PRC swab is typically Dh180.

Those who fail to take the PCR test on day four and eight could face fines.

The new rules were tweeted by Abu Dhabi Government Media Office on Wednesday.

They were issued by the Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergency and Disasters Committee, who said the stricter regulations would "enhance preventive measures for the early detection of Covid-19".

The current "day six" test would no longer be needed after November 8, the committee said.

Previously, people would need a negative DPI or Covid-19 test result, received within the past 48 hours, to enter the capital. Those staying on for at least six consecutive days would have to take a PCR test on the sixth day.

Restrictions on entry to Abu Dhabi have been in force since June 2 to stem the spread of coronavirus. A permit system previously allowed people to enter in some circumstances.