Abu Dhabi updates protocols for COVID cases, close contacts

Abu Dhabi has updated the procedures for those who test positive for COVID-19 as well as close contacts.

The latest measures have been outlined by the emirate's Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee in coordination with the Department of Health and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre. 

COVID-19 positive cases

• Patients in high-risk categories (50 years old and above/ have a chronic disease/ pregnant women/ have symptoms) must first visit a designated COVID-19 Prime Assessment Centre for medical assessment and isolation measures.
  • To end isolation, they must get two negative results 24 hours apart. Otherwise, they must get a PCR test on days 8 and 10 and complete 10 days of isolation with no symptoms in the last three days of isolation, after medical evaluation.
• Patients who fall under other categories (those with mild or medium symptoms and no chronic disease) must first retest in any health facility in the emirate and continue to isolate.
  • If the retest also turns out to be positive, they will be contacted by a specialist to complete the isolation procedures.
  • If the retest shows a negative result, they must wait 24 hours and then take a third PCR test. If this test is also negative, they are allowed to resume regular activities while complying with the precautionary measures.

Close contacts

• Close contacts will receive an SMS to conduct a PCR test and self-register in the home quarantine system through a link provided in the SMS.
  • Vaccinated individuals must quarantine for seven days, while it's 10 days for those who are unvaccinated.
  • If the PCR test returns positive, they must follow the protocols applicable for positive cases (depending on  high-risk patients or other categories).
  • If the PCR test result is negative, they must continue to quarantine and conduct an additional PCR test in any health facility in the emirate on day 6 (for vaccinated) or day 9 (for unvaccinated).
  • If the retest also shows a negative result, they are allowed to resume regular activities in compliance with precautionary measures. 

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— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) January 14, 2022

In cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee and @DoHSocial, @adphc_ae has updated the procedures for those who test positive for Covid-19 or are a close contact, to protect the health and safety of the public. pic.twitter.com/ikDQt917yX

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) January 14, 2022