UAE launches ‘drive-through’ coronavirus testing centre

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a “drive-through” centre to test for coronavirus.

The Abu Dhabi government’s media office, which announced the development on Sunday, said the facility was inaugurated by Mohammed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi crowned prince.

The centre, which will become operational on March 30, is located at Mubadala arena in Zayed Sports City, and has the capacity to conduct 600 tests per day.

The testing process takes typically about five minutes, and allows people to get tested while they remain in their cars.

The service is available by appointment only, with priority given to those who are suspected to have contracted the virus, senior citizens, pregnant women, or people with chronic illnesses.

The authorities said test “for the wider community for reassurance only” would cost 370 dirhams ($100).

The fast-track facility is managed by Abu Dhabi Health Services (Seha), the body which owns and operates all public hospitals and clinics in the emirate.

Zayed posted pictures of himself being tested on his Twitter page.

‘Today, I visited the mobile COVID-19 Test Center set up by SEHA as part of measures to contain the virus. Medical teams out in the field are the first line of protection of the UAE, their sacrifices safeguard our health,” Zayed wrote.

Today, I visited the mobile COVID-19 Test Center set up by SEHA as part of measures to contain the virus. Medical teams out in the field are the first line of protection of the UAE, their sacrifices safeguard our health. pic.twitter.com/nrO0iCFr8t

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) March 28, 2020

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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed launches drive-through Covid-19 test centre in Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/GwnFa7GbIj

— The National (@TheNationalNews) March 29, 2020

The UAE has 468 confirmed COVID-19 cases.