As part of intensified efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak, the Dubai Health Authority yesterday announced that a drive-through Covid-19 testing centre has been opened for general public at the Al Nasr Club.
The testing centre is open daily from 8am to 6.30pm for both nationals and expatriates. Members of the general public can get a five-minute test done free of charge at the centre, without even having to leave their car. The test results would be available in 48 hours, the Dubai Media Office press release said.
The drive-through facility has the capacity to test more than 250 people per day, and aims to support the efforts to protect the health and safety of the community by giving people an easily accessible centre to test for Covid-19.
The centre caters to senior citizens, people of determination, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and people with Covid-19 symptoms.
The centre is staffed by various well-trained medical personnel, and the new centre is one of the three testing centres run by DHA in Dubai.
How the centre works?
- Book an appointment for testing by calling DHA on 800DHA (800342). On receiving a confirmation text message, the message along with the person’s Emirates ID should be shown at the drive-through centre for test to be conducted.
- Before leaving home for the test, it is necessary as per the current rule, to seek permit by registering on https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/permits to leave home for test.
- When leaving home for test, make sure that facial masks and glvoes are worn. Also ensure that there are not more than three passengers in a car when conducting tests.
- If stopped by the police on the way, show the appointment confirmation text message which can be valid proof for leaving home.
- On verification, DHA medical staff will approach the car and take a nasal swab, the procedure would last about five minutes. Results can be viewed within 48 hours of the test by downloading the DHA app and ‘Lab Results’, and then ‘Patient Services’.
- If tested positive, patients should strictly isolate themselves at home and avoid interactions with others. The DHA will contact them for further procedures in a short time. If not contacted within 24 hours after showing positive results, the patients themselves can call 800342.
