New entry rules for visitors to government buildings

Visitors to government buildings across the country will, from August 1, have to present a negative PCR test result received within 48 hours or be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to be allowed entry.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said on Thursday the directive would cover the headquarters of ministries and federal bodies, as well as their customer service centres.

The ruling is in line with efforts to safeguard public health amid the pandemic.

“As of Sunday, August 1, customers, visitors, employees of outsourcing or service companies, or any person other than employees of the entity will not be allowed to enter the headquarters of ministries, federal entities and their customer service centres,” the authority said.

Those who show a negative PCR test or have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine and those under the age of 16 will be exempt.

The authorities are intensifying efforts to limit the spread of the virus by encouraging people to be vaccinated.

From August 20, only those who have had both doses of a vaccine will be allowed to enter some public places in Abu Dhabi.

These include shopping centres, restaurants, cafes and all other retail outlets, including those not within a shopping centre, “except supermarkets and pharmacies”, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said.

Included are gyms, recreation and sports centres, health clubs, resorts, museums, cultural centres and theme parks, universities, institutes, schools and nurseries.

Abu Dhabi also approved the use of special scanners to detect Covid-19 after a successful trial of the technology in Ghantoot, Yas Island and Mussaffah.

The scanners have already been installed at specific shopping malls, some residential areas and all land and air entry points.