Mass testing across the country is credited with saving lives and allowing the economy to reopen gradually. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
Mass testing across the country is credited with saving lives and allowing the economy to reopen gradually. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
A mass testing campaign aims to screen all workers living in Abu Dhabi’s Mussaffah area
A mass testing campaign aims to screen all workers living in Abu Dhabi’s Mussaffah area
The testing is free of cost, said the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
The testing is free of cost, said the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Free transportation is provided to take workers from their accommodation to testing centres.
Free transportation is provided to take workers from their accommodation to testing centres.
The initiative announced by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, said no legal action will be taken against those who are living in the emirate on expired visas.
The initiative announced by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, said no legal action will be taken against those who are living in the emirate on expired visas.
“Testing campaign and sanitisation [are] to be conducted in gradual phases, and in coordination with targeted blocks,” said the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
“Testing campaign and sanitisation [are] to be conducted in gradual phases, and in coordination with targeted blocks,” said the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
The main medical registration area at the Seha facility in Mussaffah.
The main medical registration area at the Seha facility in Mussaffah.
Another queue sends visitors to a line where they are processed by handing over their Emirates ID card and phone number.
Another queue sends visitors to a line where they are processed by handing over their Emirates ID card and phone number.
A staff member of the center directs a workers to the next area at the screening centre.
A staff member of the center directs a workers to the next area at the screening centre.
A high body temperature of 38°C could indicate signs of fever, a common coronavirus symptom.
A high body temperature of 38°C could indicate signs of fever, a common coronavirus symptom.
Visitors must complete a brief questionnaire to help nurses understand the health status of those waiting in line.
Visitors must complete a brief questionnaire to help nurses understand the health status of those waiting in line.
On arrival in Mussaffah, workers walk through a sanitisation mist shower before entering the tented clinic.
On arrival in Mussaffah, workers walk through a sanitisation mist shower before entering the tented clinic.
Workers and residents queue in front of the sanitising gate before they can enter the main tent screening centre.
Workers and residents queue in front of the sanitising gate before they can enter the main tent screening centre.

Health

Everyone in Abu Dhabi to be tested for Covid-19 if necessary, says top health official

Authorities say they will do anything to eliminate coronavirus from the UAE's capital

Shireena Al Nowais
UAE

June 20, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Everyone in Abu Dhabi will be tested for Covid-19 if that is what it takes to eliminate the virus, a top health official said on Thursday.

Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, acting undersecretary for Abu Dhabi's Department of Health, told The National medics would work their way through densely populated areas of the emirate to offer free testing.

“Our target is to eventually eliminate the virus. We will take all the necessary actions to eradicate the virus and ensure that the Emirate is free of Covid-19 – even if it requires us to test the whole population to get a handle on the virus,” he said.

This mass testing programme is part of the emirate’s early detection strategy, aimed at identifying, isolating and treating Covid-19 patients before they can spread the virus.

“People who live in high-density areas, can expect a visit from the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and/or Seha teams, to run their tests within the safety of their homes,” he said.

We will take all the necessary actions to eradicate the virus and ensure that the Emirate is free of Covid-19

The UAE has conducted more than three million coronavirus tests, making it the top nation for per capita screenings.

Abu Dhabi closed its borders to other emirates and between its main regions last month to enable the accelerated testing programme.

“With many members of the community frequently travelling between Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, we believe that this temporary ban on movement in Abu Dhabi is necessary to ensure that the testing programme runs smoothly and as planned,” Dr Al Kaabi said.

More than 388,000 residents in Abu Dhabi’s high-density areas have been tested to date.

“We are optimistic that this ban will have a positive impact and will contribute to ultimately decreasing Covid-19 cases in Abu Dhabi,” he said.

Dr Al Kaabi said people whose work falls under a “high-risk category”, including those who work at malls, airports and restaurant, will most likely need to be tested every two weeks.

“The Department of Health wants to ensure that everyone in these areas gets tested, so that immediate action can be taken in the case that further positive cases are identified. This approach will hopefully contribute to making high density areas clear of the virus,” he said.

“There is no timescale for Covid-19 testing,” Dr Al Kaabi said.

Testing is free for all Emiratis and their domestic workers, people with disabilities, pregnant women. Residents over the age of 50 or who have symptoms or previously came into contact with someone who had the virus can also be tested without charge.

The testing campaign is now being expanded to include more areas of the emirate.

“This will ensure that these areas are free of Covid-19 cases and that those who have tested positive do not come in close proximity to more vulnerable members of the community, such as the elderly or chronic patients.”

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Our legal advisor

Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation. 

Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.

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Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

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