Combating Covid-19: Drive-through coronavirus testing centre opens in Dubai; 5 more to open soon

Al Futtaim Health has opened a drive-through Covid-19 testing station in Dubai, with five more set to open soon. The first station at Festival City does between 100 and 200 tests for Al Futtaim Group employees and eligible residents. Once all six centres are launched, they can do close to 1,000 tests a day.
Dr Haidar Al Yousuf, managing director of Al Futtaim Health, said: "The other five centres at our Health Hub clinics in Al Qusais, Discovery Garden, Silicon Oasis, Al Warqa and International City will be functional very soon."
Residents wanting to take a test must complete an online self-assessment on the HealthHub website "to assess their eligibility so that these critical health services are prioritised to those who need them the most", Dr Yousuf said.
"Testing and early identification of the infection, isolation of affected patients, and contact tracing are the most important strategy for flattening the curve," he added.
The group has also converted some of its buildings into self-isolation and quarantine centres.
Who can take the test?
>Anyone who is symptomatic (cough or fever or shortness of breath)
>Patient who has had close contact with a confirmed or suspected Covid-19 case
>He/she has a travel history
>Particularly vulnerable groups like pregnant women, people above the age of 65, or those with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cardio vascular diseases, or those with a compromised immune system such as cancer and a history of taking immune-suppressants and severe acute respiratory illness.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com 

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