Coronavirus: Mass testing campaign to screen all Mussaffah workers for Covid-19

The campaign in the Abu Dhabi area begins tomorrow and will be free of cost

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Workers and residents queue in front of the sanitising gate before they can enter the main tent screening centre.

A mass testing campaign aims to screen all workers living in Abu Dhabi’s Mussaffah area.

The testing will kick start tomorrow and will be free of cost, said the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

The latest drive 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.

“Protecting the community’s safety and curbing the spread of coronavirus is the top priority,” tweeted the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Free transportation will be provided to take workers from their accommodation to testing centres.

While sanitisation and testing campaigns are ongoing across Mussaffah, the new drive will ensure to cover all residents in the area.

There are currently three massive testing centres in Mussaffah where more than 120,000 workers have been tested so far.

“Testing campaign and sanitisation [are] to be conducted in gradual phases, and in coordination with targeted blocks,” said the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

No disruptions to daily commercial activities are expected. However, entry and exit to the area being sanitised will be restricted.

The duration of sterilisation in each block depends on its size and the number of people being tested.

“The campaign will ensure the provision of healthcare services to all sections of the community, and regulate and manage Covid-19 testing to ensure the health and safety of those living in Musaffah,” said the media office.