Coronavirus: UAE outlines international travel protocols and passes 3 million tests

The UAE has announced an easing of international travel restrictions as it emerged the country has carried out three million tests, making it the top nation for per capita screenings.

The emirates will, from June 23, permit international travel to some destinations, based on whether they are low, medium or high risk.

There will be no restrictions to travel to low-risk countries.

Travel will be allowed to specific countries with medium risk but this will be limited to instances such as medical treatment, professional work, studies and diplomatic missions.

Travel to high-risk countries will not be allowed.

People above the age of 70 are not allowed to travel and those with underlying health issues are discouraged.

Those travelling out of the UAE need to register at Twajudi service on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Passengers must ensure they meet all of the UAE's guidelines and those of the countries to which they are travelling.

These include pre-travel health check-ups and international insurance, and quarantine and tracking.

If travellers experience any symptoms of the coronavirus in the visiting country, they should head to the nearest medical centre for emergency testing.

Returning passengers will have to download the Al Hosn app, fill in a personal responsibility form and commit to isolating themselves for 14 days, which could be reduced to seven if they are coming from low-risk areas.

If citizens test positive for Covid-19 in a visiting country, they must inform the UAE embassy.

The daily number of recoveries in the UAE have exceeded new infections for the eight consecutive day.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday reported 382 new cases of Covid-19, raising the country’s total to 43,364.

More than 39,000 tests were carried out, the ministry said. Two people died after contracting the virus in the past 24 hours.

The UAE’s death toll from the pandemic now stands at 295.

The ministry said 676 more people had recovered from the virus, taking the total recovery tally to 29,537.

Abu Dhabi will step up its Home Screening programme this week to ensure vulnerable people can be tested from the comfort of their houses.

The capital also announced the reopening of museums and cultural sites, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Cultural Foundation and Qasr Al Hosn, on June 24.

To the east, outdoor areas at Al Ain Oasis will be open with strict precautionary measures. Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Palace Museum will also reopen.

The capital will also allow those under 70 to visit shopping malls, but children under 12 are still denied entry.

Meanwhile, Dubai has announced the easing of restrictions on children below 12 and those above 60 from June 18.

People from all age groups can now go to swimming pools, play areas, cinemas and shopping malls, among other places.