Emirates and Dubai Health test passengers for COVID-19
Passengers could learn the results of their COVID-19 test within 10 minutes
Emirates, in coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) tested all passengers for the COVID-19 virus on yesterday’s flight to Tunisia.
The blood test gave results within 10 minutes. This tests were done at the Group Check-in area of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3
“The testing process has gone smoothly and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dubai Health Authority for their initiatives and innovative solutions,” said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer in today’s announcement of the procedure. “This would have not been possible without the support of Dubai Airport and other government authorities. We are working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it to other flights, this will enable us to conduct on-site tests and provide immediate confirmation for Emirates passengers traveling to countries that require COVID-19 test certificates. The health and safety of staff and passengers at the airport remain of paramount importance.”
HE Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), added: “We are glad to work with Emirates on the successful implementation of rapid COVID-19 testing at the airport for departing travellers. To tackle COVID-19, we have been proactively working with various governmental organisations and the private health sector and we have implemented all necessary measures from public health protection to provision of high-quality health services in line with the latest international guidelines. We believe strongly that the most effective solutions require close partnerships with other public and private sector organisations.”
The airline’s check-in and boarding formalities have also been adapted for social distancing. Protective barriers have been installed at each check-in desk to provide additional safety measures. Gloves, masks and hand sanitizers have been made mandatory for all employees at the airport.
Passengers are also required to wear their own masks when at the airport and on board the aircraft, and follow social distancing guidelines. Emirates has modified its inflight services for health and safety.
Magazines and other print reading material are not available, and while food and beverages will continue to be offered on board, packaging and presentation will be modified to reduce contact during meal service and minimize risk of interaction. Cabin baggage are currently not accepted on flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. All other items have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance.
All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each flight.
