UAE opens 4 new rapid COVID-19 testing facilities

UAE opens 4 new rapid COVID-19 testing facilities
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Updated 10 August 2020
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UAE opens 4 new rapid COVID-19 testing facilities

UAE opens 4 new rapid COVID-19 testing facilities
  • The test centers, which offer the service for $14, use laser technology to provide a result in five minutes
  • COVID-19-negative test result will be required for students and school staff who are set to resume in-person classes in Sharjah

DUBAI: Four new rapid coronavirus testing facilities have been opened in the emirates of Dubai, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, particularly for people who want to enter Abu Dhabi where a negative test result is required, national daily Khaleej Times reported.

The test centers, which offer the service for $14, use laser technology to provide a result in five minutes, but screenings can only be done through appointment.

The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) said people who want to get tested in these facilities – four of which are located in the UAE capital – will need to book an appointment through the Seha mobile application.

The laser test could suggest some people to take the traditional PCR screening, authorities said, which they can also avail at the same center.

Abu Dhabi earlier said it was mandatory for people to present a COVID-19-negative test result before entering the emirate. Border checks were put in place to regulate the movement of people.

Meanwhile, the private education authority of Sharjah said a COVID-19-negative test result will be required for students and school staff who are set to resume in-person classes by Aug. 30.

“All students, teachers and staff of all private schools will be tested for Covid-19 (ahead) ... of physically joining the school,” the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) said in a circular, adding testing could be carried out continuously throughout the new term.

“School principals should be aware of the COVID-19 test schedule, which would impact their operational reopening plan. This might result in teachers, staff and students joining their school in batches,” SPEA added.

The UAE Minister of Education earlier announced a COVID-19 test was mandatory for students and teachers returning to campus.