UAE extends Covid-19 PCR test validity to 96 hours for returning residents

Passengers arriving in the UAE must have had their Covid-19 tests taken up to 96 hours before landing in the country, authorities said on Thursday.

The period has been extended by 24 hours from the 72-hour limit announced in a media briefing on Wednesday.

In a tweet at mid-day on Thursday, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that the time between taking the PCR test for Covid-19 and arriving at one of the UAE airports should not exceed 96 hours, and the test results must be negative.

Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, the official spokesperson of NCEMA, said the tests must be conducted only at accredited centres, a list of which is available on www.screening.purehealth.ae.

All UAE residents returning from outside the country will be required to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR test before flying. All UAE airports will follow this requirement from Friday, July 24, a top official said during the Wednesday media briefing.

Airports also need to ensure that residents have signed a Health Declaration Form.

In a media briefing yesterday on the latest Covid-19 developments, the authorities also announced that airlines must ensure that all returning residents have negative PCR results issued by accredited centres.

The authorities have also being asked faithful to perform Eid Al Adha prayers at home in the UAE even as mosques will be allowed to operate at an increased capacity of 50 per cent after the Eid break, from August 3. The ministry, however, advised residents to avoid family gatherings and meetings. The official also advised residents not to distribute gifts or cash among relatives and use online means.

Source Khaleej Times.