Dubai Gets A COVID-19 PCR Test Facility Inside Shopping Malls

by Yogita Chainani
Dubai Gets A COVID-19 PCR Test Facility Inside Shopping Malls

Dubai Malls are not just about shopping anymore. Shopping in Dubai Malls just got more productive, as people can now get tested for covid-19 while enjoying a shopping spree. This initiative has been taken by Dubai Health Authorities. The Authorities have set up PCR testing stations at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira. Emiratis and residents can now take an AED 150 nasal swab to check for the virus in the mall. 

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Each Testing Station in Dubai Malls Will Conduct 180 Tests In A Day, Daily 

For testing, the centres are functional between 11 AM to 6 PM daily. And the appointment for the same can be taken by calling the toll-free number 800DHA (800342). In terms of testing, each station will conduct around 180 tests a day. The results for the same will be made available within 24 hours.

Picture Credits: Ohga

People with symptoms of Covid-19, including a fever or a cough, should not get tested at the mall to avoid potentially exposing others to the virus. The testing stations are handled by certified medical staff, and should instead be used by people who wish to travel or require a test for another non-medical purpose.

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The Initiative Has Been Taken As A Part Of The UAE’s Early Detection Strategy 

Speaking about the setup, the authorities said that the stations are set up to encourage more people to get tested. It is also a part of the UAE’s early detection strategy, which aims to identify, isolate and treat Covid-19 cases before the virus can spread.

Credits: Dubai mall/facebook

To ensure the smooth functioning of the centres, Humaid Al Qutami, director-general of DHA, visited all three stations on Monday with Dr Amer Sharif, head of Dubai’s Covid-19 Command and Control Centre, and other local officials.

Mr Al Qutami said Dubai’s first line of defence was working day and night to overcome the pandemic. He said all precautionary and preventive measures issued to protect people from Covid-19 are still in effect and called on the public to comply fully.