Dubai: In its fight against COVID-19, the UAE has just opened up 18 new testing centres near the Abu Dhabi border, to facilitate the entry of people in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has opened new DPI (Diffractive Phase Interferometry) drive-through centres, which will be open 24 hours a day.
So, if you are planning to enter Abu Dhabi, here is all you need to know about the new test centres.
What is the DPI test?
The laser-based Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI) test was introduced in July by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) to detect COVID-19 cases. The DPI technology allows authorities to conduct mass testing, as the results come in within seconds and help detect suspected cases of infections. The DPI test looks for specific inflammation markers caused by COVID-19 infection in a sample. If you go for a DPI test, you will be required to give a blood sample, similar to a blood test done to check for blood sugar. The blood sample is smeared on a slide, which is then inserted into a DPI machine, which searches for any markers caused by COVID-19. The results are sent within seconds through an SMS to your phone.
What are latest guidelines for entering Abu Dhabi?
From December 24, Citizens and residents must take a RT-PCR test (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test) or DPI test and receive a negative result within 72 hours of entering Abu Dhabi. The earlier validity for these two tests was 48 hours.
The requirement for a re-test has also been updated. If a person is staying in the emirate for six or more consecutive days, they would need to take a PCR test on Day 6 from entry, or be liable for fines, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The day of arrival in Abu Dhabi is counted as Day 1.
Volunteers in the National Vaccination Programme and volunteers in Phase III clinical trials who have an identification mark of the letter E or golden star on the Al Hosn app are exempt from the regulations.
They are also allowed to use emergency vehicles lanes when entering the emirates.
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How to reach the centres
The 18 new centers are drive-through stations, open 24 hours a day.
The stations are located on both sides of the Al Faya road (E75), in the Seih Sheib area, right before Ghantoot crossing.
Image Credit: Abu Dhabi Media Office
Al Faya Road (E75) is the stretch between Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), so you can reach these stations by taking either of these two roads.
If you are taking the Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) you would need to take Exit 403 and follow signs for Al Faya Road.
If you are on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), take the exit to your right for Al Faya Road or Al Faya Truck Road (E75).
Location: 24.8801280, 54.9547973
As the testing centres have been set up on both sides of the road, you can use the drive-through facility and continue on your journey towards Abu Dhabi.
You would need to present your Emirates ID and provide your mobile number.
Once the prick test is done the result will be sent via SMS to your registered mobile phone number.