DUBAI CONDUCTS MORE THAN 612,000 TESTS

Dubai yesterday said the emirate’s testing facilities have conducted more than 612, 000 Covid-19 tests as of June 19, as part of relentless efforts to contain the pandemic.

According to the Covid-19 Command and Control Centre, comprehensive measures and the concerted efforts of public and private sectors and the community have helped Dubai achieve marked progress in curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

Dubai has carried out over 612,000 Covid-19 tests as of June 19, according to the Covid-19 Command and Control Centre, and continues to increase testing in government and private hospitals and drive-through centres.

Dr Hanan Al Suwaidi, chair of testing at the Command and Control Centre, advised residents to get tested at hospitals and laboratories accredited by Dubai Health Authority to ensure accurate results.

Testing centres

The DHA runs a drivethrough testing centre at the Al Nasr Club, while Seha operates a testing centre in Al Khawaneej, Port Rashid and another for citizens at City Walk.

Covid-19 testing is also available at all Dubai government hospitals and many private sector hospitals as well as at Shabab Al Ahli Club. In addition, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services offers home testing services.

Enhanced capacity

As part of its efforts to expand testing capacity, the DHA’s laboratory department raised its testing capacity from 300 samples per day to 3,000 per day in the period between January and May.

The overall testing capacity in Dubai was also increased through cooperation with private sector laboratories, with the number of samples reaching up to 30,000 per day.

Eligibiity for free tests

People eligible for a free tests include pregnant women, elderly people and people with chronic conditions as well as UAE citizens, people of determination, residents with symptoms and those who have been in contact with positive cases.