PCR Tests Rate In Abu Dhabi Still The Same At Dh65: Seha

Recently, a fake message has been circulating online, stating that the price of the Covid-19 test has been revised. Although it was on a circular that looked quite official, the rate of the RT-PCR tests remain unchanged at Dh65. The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) used its official Twitter channel to verify this. 

The Fake News

Seha claimed that the costs of the tests continue to be stable all over its network of screening facilities. The Tweet also mentioned that if at all this was to be modified in the future, Seha would use its platforms to update the public about it. For more information, the authorities have advised residents to visit Seha’s official site. They have asked the public to ignore the faux list. 

The fake document had been doing its rounds on social media since June 15th. It declared itself to be a legitimate update about the PCR tests. It included information about the different screening centers in the UAE. According to it, the cost of the test in Abu Dhabi had risen to Dh85 whereas DPI tests continued to be at Dh50. It also falsely claimed that the price of the Covid test has decreased to Dh85 in certain screening centers such as the ones in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman.

The UAE Public Prosecution has repeatedly reminded everyone that sharing misinformation and rumors is a crime and will be punished as per the UAE law. The prosecutor elaborated on this based on Article 198 of the Federal Penal Code. Intentionally circulating fake news, false rumors, or provocative propaganda that could threaten public security or lead to people being alarmed can be dealt with through imprisonment for at least one year.

More About The PCR Tests 

At first, the PCR test was priced at Dh370 at the Seha centers. But in September 2020, the officials decided to cut down the rate to Dh 250. The Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi further decreased the charge of the tests to Dh65 at all public and private facilities. Since the Al Hosn app’s ‘Green Pass’ regulations were introduced on June 15, the demand for the Covid-19 PCR tests in Abu Dhabi has surged. 

The protocol, which was implemented to control the viral outbreak, required UAE residents and guests above 16 to display a green pass on their Al Hosn app to be allowed entry into many public areas. It uses a system of color-coding on the app to indicate the user’s PCR test validity and the status of their vaccination doses. The colors are green, red and grey.

Hamad Ahmed Al Rahoumi, a member of the Federal National Council (FNC) said that they are considering making free PCR tests more available. This would be achieved through coverage from health insurance companies so that the people don’t have to spend so much every time they need a test. 

At this point, the Covid tests are a necessity for all UAE citizens and residents. This is because only having a negative test will grant them access to many public spaces including government offices and schools.