Emirates becomes first airline to issue on-site coronavirus testing (VIDEO)

In association with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Emirates has become the first airline to perform rapid on-site testing for COVID-19 for its passengers.

The first round of testing took place on Wednesday for passengers set to board a flight to Tunisia departing from Dubai.

• See also: 
  • US airlines will receive $35 billion as part of federal bailout package: report
  • Air Canada among airlines suspending flights even later into the year
  • Italy is still seeing hundreds of coronavirus related deaths a day

The blood tests were issued by the Dubai Health Authority with results available as quickly as 10 minutes later, with the tests themselves being performed at the Group Check-in area of Dubai International Airport.

“The testing process has gone smoothly, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dubai Health Authority for their initiatives and innovative solutions,” Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer, Adel Al Redha, said in a press release.

“We are working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it to other flights, this will enable us to conduct on-site tests and provide immediate confirmation for Emirates passengers travelling to countries that require COVID-19 test certificates.”

Emirates becomes the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers. The 10-minute tests are conducted by @DHA_Dubai at @DXB Terminal 3 for travellers to countries requiring COVID-19 test certificates. https://t.co/3j6jFFlxzY pic.twitter.com/rgxB09vh1I

— Emirates Airline (@emirates) April 15, 2020

Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, Humaid Al Quatmi, stated his appreciation regarding working with Emirates surrounding successfully implementing the rapid coronavirus testing.

“To tackle COVID-19, we have been proactively working with various governmental organisations and the private health sector and we have implemented all necessary measures from public health protection,” Al Quatmi explained in the release.

“We believe strongly that the most effective solutions require close partnerships with other public and private sector organisations.”

The boarding and check-in areas of Dubai International Airport have also been formatted and adapted to align with proper physical distancing measures.

Authorities have installed protective barriers for every check-in kiosk to provide an increased level of safety for both passengers and staff during interactions.

Airport employees have also been instructed to wear gloves and masks and sanitize their hands frequently.

Additionally, passengers are required to wear masks as well when at the airport as well as onboard the aircraft.

They must also practice proper physical distancing guidelines.