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Combating coronavirus: 20,000 staff of Abu Dhabi malls tested for Covid-19

Abu Dhabi - All staff members must secure a certificate of negative results before they resume work and prior to the stores' reopening.

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Ahead of the reopening of shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, as many as 20,000 employees have undergone Covid-19 testing, officials said on Tuesday.

The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) operated seven Covid-19 drive-thru testing centres round the clock to ensure none of the staff is infected as they return to work.

Seha has also increased employee awareness about the virus, its symptoms and how to follow recommended precautionary measures.

In preparation for the reopening of malls in #AbuDhabi, we have been operating Covid-19 testing centers around the clock.
20,000 employees have completed tests so far at 7 drive-through testing centers. pic.twitter.com/3EJdutFR9J
- SEHA - ???? ??? (@SEHAHealth) April 28, 2020

Such steps are in line with the mall reopening requirements set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).

In a directive issued on Monday, the department said all workers at commercial and industrial facilities in the Capital must get tested for Covid-19.

All staff members must secure a certificate of negative results before they resume work and prior to the stores' reopening.

Getting these screenings done is a primary condition for the issuance of reopening permits, the circular said.

Two-phase testing at Lulu malls

Line Investments - a shopping mall division of LuLu Group that operates 12 malls in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain - has finished testing its staff.

In the first phase that started last Thursday, more than 3,000 staff members were tested.

"The first phase of testing all our staff is over. It included the management and operations team, and also food and beverage tenants.

"The screening of a total of 3,400 staff members from the Abu Dhabi region has been completed," said V. Nandakumar, Lulu Group's chief communications officer.

"This was a herculean task but we are happy to have Seha to assist us. They offered us special time slots from 9pm till early morning."

Under Line Investments are Khalidiyah Mall, Al Wahda Mall, Mushrif Mall, Al Raha Mall, Mazyad Mall, Al Foah Mall, and Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, among others.

The second phase of testing started on Tuesday and will be completed by this weekend.

"Now, the rest of all tenant staff will undergo tests at a dedicated time and location."

Additional preventive measures in line with guidelines of the ADDED are being followed at malls.

"We have engaged top companies to do deep-cleaning and sanitisation in our properties," Nandakumar added.

Ensuring public health, safety

Aldar Properties have also taken measures to ensure the health and safety of community.

These covered malls operating under its retail portfolio, including Yas Mall, World Trade Center Abu Dhabi (WTC), Shams Boutik at Al Reem Island, and Al Jimi Mall and Remal Mall in Al Ain.

Saoud Khoory, executive director for retail, Aldar Properties, said: "Ensuring the health and safety of our guests, tenants and staff have always been our top priority and we have already implemented many of the measures since the beginning of this outbreak.

"We are working closely with our retail partners to ensure the highest levels of protection and hygiene for all staff and visitors as soon as our malls resume operation. We want to reassure our guests and staff that we are doing everything we can to ensure their wellness."

Earlier, ADDED has told the management of malls and centres to complete the implementation of all the required obligations and procedures to be able to obtain the approval to reopen their facilities.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com