UAE sets new COVID-19 testing standards

While the rest of the world is struggling on this front, the UAE has maintained its global leadership in maximising coronavirus tests in terms of the number of tests per 1 million people and this is certainly a creditable feat, which has greatly helped ensure the safety of all members of the community.

According to statistics from the Worldometer website, the UAE has performed over 77,550 tests per million people and has expanded its coronavirus drive-through testing campaign, as part of a strategy to provide widespread testing of citizens and residents.

The country has advanced drive-through testing centres in all emirates, in addition to clinics in Mussafah for workers.

Separately, the Nevada COVID-19 task force has also announced a partnership with the United Arab Emirates with the goal of rolling out high-volume testing throughout the state.

As per the spokesperson for the Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force, vital testing materials have been acquired thanks to a long-term partnership with the UAE and G42, a technology company based in Abu Dhabi.

G42 is said to have created technology that will be used for a long-term “innovative genomic study” for COVID-19 testing and research.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, had stated recently that the UAE would continue to provide its support to the international community and promote stronger relationships between countries with the goal of increasing the effectiveness of the global response to the current crisis.

In continuation of such gestures, the United Arab Emirates also sent a plane carrying 18 metric tonnes of medical and food aid to Mauritania.

The shipment, which contained testing kits, medical devices, and food supplies, will assist approximately 10,000 healthcare workers in Mauritania as they work to contain the spread of COVID-19.

As Hamad Ghanim Hamad Al Mehairi, UAE Ambassador to Mauritania, pointed out, “While the world faces extraordinary challenges, such hardship provides an opportunity to embrace unity and cooperation as never seen before.”

On April 15, Director-General of the World Health Organisation Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised such efforts, noting, “I would like to thank the African Union, the governments of the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia, the Jack Ma Foundation, and all our partners for their solidarity with African countries at this critical moment in history.”

To date, the UAE has sent more than 239 metric tonnes of aid to over 22 countries, benefiting approximately 240,000 medical professionals in the process.

The UAE is known for its benevolence and compassion. Volunteering is a pillar of the UAE’s culture.

As per Hessa Tahlak, UAE Volunteers campaign spokesperson, over 3,000 volunteers with a medical background have registered with the campaign. Shortly after the launch of the campaign, more than 8,000 volunteers of 115 nationalities living in the UAE registered.

In Tahlak’s words: “Today, we stand together, UAE nationals and residents, to lead the national fight against the coronavirus. The UAE Government has announced a national initiative to unify and sustain volunteering efforts across the country under one campaign named ‘UAE Volunteers.’

It is important on the part of the public to comply with the precautionary measures advised by the UAE Government, including regular handwashing, social distancing, and wearing facemasks, in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet.