UAE launches online system for pre-travel Covid-19 tests

UAE's official pre-travel Covid-19 testing facility Pure Health has launched an online system where passengers travelling to the UAE can register to get tested for coronavirus in their home countries through an approved network of laboratory facilities.
In collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC), Pure Health has launched an international laboratory partnership project, with over 500 accredited laboratories in 40 countries at this stage of the project. All the procedures are planned in accordance with measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pure Health is the largest laboratory operator in the GCC and key partner of the UAE authorities in the nationwide fight against Covid-19 pandemic. "This is the first of its kind project globally, where the UAE has become a pioneer in promoting safe travel through this innovative solution," said Pramodh BN, Head of Commercial Operations at Pure Health.
The service can be booked easily through the web portal, where Pure Health has provided the list of the approved labs in each country. The incoming passengers to the UAE from any of the empaneled countries can register for the screening (after they have been informed to do so during the government application process) simply by entering their details, selecting their country, city and preferred laboratory on the portal. Their results are then shared with the FAIC through the shared portal. The applicants will then receive feedback from the FAIC regarding their application.
"We are delighted to associate with the UAE government on this initiative, which is intended at enabling people to travel safely, healthy and with peace of mind to the UAE. We have facilitated the Covid-19 screening in these countries for the incoming passengers, who can book an appointment at the listed, accredited labs that are accepted by relevant health authorities. We have initiated the online system in place for implementing the project. The portal enables passengers to register and avail the service and it also enables the laboratories to update and report the results to the authorities concerned in the UAE," Pramodh said.
"We continue to work hard to deliver innovative solutions that make a difference. Currently, we are working hard to add more countries and labs across the world and we look to achieve coverage in 60 countries and 1,000 laboratories in the short term. We advise the UAE residents and visitors to follow sensible guidance to prepare when they are planning their trip to the country and reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19 while this outbreak is ongoing," he added.
Pure Health's online portal must be used for booking and paying for the laboratory services. This will ensure that the UAE government receives the information that the passenger has conducted the test from the approved lab. Passengers need to ensure that they carry the Pure Health result certificate for their travel as that's the only certificate, which will be accepted by the airlines flying to the UAE. The passenger cannot use a certificate issued by the lab directly to them.
If they have not received the Pure Health certificate by email after completing the test, the passengers must follow up with the lab, where they gave the test to ensure the passengers' result is issued on Pure Health portal. The certificate will be sent to them once they complete the test and they will receive it to their registered email on the portal. The passengers, who do not go through the portal, will not have their test result shared with the UAE authorities.

• Dubai

Dhanusha Gokulan

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com