Over 12,ooo tests for Covid 19 have been carried out in the UAE over the past couple of days. With the looming danger of Coronavirus over our heads, the government of the UAE have taken some major precautions in order to avert this crisis. They have recently opened number of testing centres in the country. There are now a total of 13 drive-through testing centres open to all. The first testing centre was located at Zayed sports city, in Abu Dhabi.
These drive through testing centres come as part of an initiative put forth by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces. The SEHA, the health services company Abu Dhabi have introduced 13 testing drive thru in just 10 days. They had a team of only around 300 staff, consisting of both employees and volunteers. There are a total number of 630 qualified medical health care workers that work across the 14 different facilities.
Under the directives of Mohamed bin Zayed, within 10 days SEHA opened 13 additional COVID-19 drive-through testing facilities nationwide, in addition to the centre previously opened in Zayed Sports City in #AbuDhabi, to ensure the community’s health and safety. pic.twitter.com/5D69bl7zLc
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) April 9, 2020
At the testing centres, priority is given to senior citizens, people with chorines illnesses, pregnant women, people of determination, and people with Covid 19 symptoms. For those individuals displaying symptoms of the deadly virus, testing is free.
Where Can You Find The Centre?
- Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi
- Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
- Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi
- Al Khawaneej, Dubai
- Mina Rashidy, Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Al Hili, Al Ain
- Asharej, Al Ain
- Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra
- Ghayathi, Al Dhafra
The test is simple and requires simply 5 minutes of your time. Whilst sitting in your car, a healthcare worker will take a swab from your nostrils. The test results will then reach you via text, and can take up to 48 hours. If you don’t have clear symptoms of the virus and still wish to take the test, you may do so at a cost of AED370. Your health will first be assed by the health services authority of Abu Dhabi, (SEHA), after which you will be permitted to go through for a test.
Also Read: Covid 19: Dubai Opens First FREE Drive-Through Testing Centre
What Else?
Meanwhile, a study done at the world health organisation shows that cats can also catch the deadly virus. According to the study, cats are susceptible to the virus, however chickens, ducks and dogs are not. This conclusion comes as animals are being used as part of experiments in combatting this novel pandemic. Cats can also be carriers of the virus and may be able to pass it on to others. The WHO is still looking into this further and will update us when they have conclusive results.
Also Read: Covid 19: Oman Locks Down Muscat for 12 Days Starting Tomorrow