The Abu Dhabi government announced a new requirement for visitors and residents entering the Emirati capital.
The new requirement mandates all international passengers arriving at the Abu Dhabi Airport to wear a COVID-19 wristband tracking device as they undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine.

Gov’t Mandates Use of COVID-19 Wristband Tracker for Newly Arrived Int’l Passengers
According to a tweet shared by the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office, the electronic wristband will help track home quarantine cases, ensuring that all individuals entering the city will fully comply with all quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of infection locally and to promote the health and safety of all residents of Abu Dhabi.
It also noted that the wristbands are to be provided by the Abu Dhabi government to all arriving passengers free of charge.
The tweet also mentioned: “Representatives of the relevant authorities at all Abu Dhabi entry points will provide incoming travelers with an electronic wristband, without incurring any cost to the wearer.”
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) September 17, 2020
In line with this, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways confirmed and explained the new guidelines, stating on its website: “On arrival into Abu Dhabi you must self-isolate for 14 days. Self-isolation must take place at home and you will be required to wear a medically approved wristband for the duration. The wristband will be provided by the authorities at Abu Dhabi Airport after you clear immigration.”
It also emphasized that along with the new guidelines, existing measures such as the COVID-19 negative test requirement still applies.
Etihad said: “Your test must be carried out a maximum of 96 hours before your flight departure time at any government accredited medical facility. Timings will differ if you are flying from China and other select destinations. Guests departing Pakistan and India must use an Etihad approved medical facility.”
Meanwhile, the new travel requirement does not apply to those holding a diplomatic passport, under the age of 18, over the age of 60, or suffering from a chronic disease.
The new measure was announced amidst an increasing number of people contracting COVID-19 as a result of not following quarantine protocols.
Health officials also noted that 12% of the recent cases came from international arrivals.
Meanwhile, in other countries such as South Korea and Bulgaria, the use of location-tracking wristbands to monitor people violating self-quarantine orders has already been put into effect.
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