Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Sohaila Ahmed, Staff reporter

Dr Muhanna Jameel, Director of the vehicle scanning centre of Port Rashid, recently confirmed that the scanning centre has exceeded its capacity of admitting 500 COVID-19 cases a day, and a number of 600 follow-up patients.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has issued the decision of applying free COVID-19 test for seven categories of people, including citizens, housemaids working in citizen’s house, people of determination, pregnant women, residents above 50 years-old, people showing symptoms of the virus, and those in direct contact with them.

His Highness said, “Citizens wishing to undergo COVID-19 test must register through the application or hotline number to book the nearest appointment. As for people of determination, pregnant women, and house maids, registration can be made via the application, with attaching their Emirates ID, pregnancy report, and visa.”

He also pointed out patients showing symptoms of coronavirus are advised to visit hospitals and medical centres at the earliest, in order to undergo the test and receive the proper medical care.

Scanning centres have witnessed a great number of people wishing to undergo the coronavirus test since the beginning of Ramadan; due to social gatherings held during this time of the year. This action resulted in an increase of coronavirus patients, including children, elderly, and women, despite their commitment of staying at home.

His Highness explained that adhering to the guidelines of health authorities is necessary to fight the spread of COVID-19, and people must avoid social visits, especially during Eid. “Your Eid at Home” slogan must be raised all around the UAE, for people to avoid Eid visits, and handshaking with family and friends in order to defeat the virus.

“Nearly 50 volunteers are working in the scanning centre, including medical cadres, nurses, and managers, to receive and supervise almost 600 cases a day, as well as collect test samples to be processed. COVID-19 test results take two days of processing, and final results are sent via text messages and the application,” His Highness added.