Health authorities announced on Tuesday that residents who are entering Abu Dhabi can now avail the Dh50 rapid tests for coronavirus at some drive-thru screening centres. A SEHA health system facility, the Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) said that these tests, which are laser based can now be availed at National Screening Centres in Dubai’s Mina Rashed and Al Khawaneej; Ras Al Khaimah; and Fujairah. Abu Dhabi residents leaving the emirate can avail the service at the drive-thru facilities in Zayed Sports City and Corniche in Abu Dhabi and Al Hili in Al Ain.

Appointments are to be booked prior to screening on SEHA app. Procedure would require taking a small blood sample and then testing it by a laser based DPI, with results coming within few minutes.

In case a nose swab test is to be done as per the test result, the sample would be collected right away and the individual would be required to isolate himself until results appear. If the test result shows that nose swab is not required, he will receive an SMS relaying that he can enter Abu Dhabi within 48 hours from the test result.

Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, chief operations officer at AHS, said, “All they need to do is book an appointment through SEHA app and get tested from the comfort of their own cars at the centres in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain before leaving the Emirate or at one of the selected screening centers in the Northern Emirates before returning. We will soon be adding the service to new locations as well.”

Timing of operations at the drive-thru screening centres in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are from Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 8pm. In the northern emirates, the centres are open daily from 10am to 8pm.