Emirates steps up coronavirus testing to reach entire population

The coronavirus crisis continues to grow and wreak havoc worldwide, with more than 100,000 deaths and nearly two million people infected (counted) worldwide. An unprecedented pandemic in the globalized world that has put all governments in check. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the countries where COVID-19 is not experiencing an excessive incidence, but they are not letting their guard down and continue to implement extraordinary measures to curb the virus in addition to intensifying diagnostic tests.

The latest data from the UAE Government's official notification agency, WAM, shows a slight increase in those infected in the country over the weekend, bringing the official number of people affected to 4,123 and a total of 25 deaths. These figures are well below those of states such as Italy, Spain or the United States (the most affected countries) and also lower than those of countries close to the Emirates such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq or Iran.

And with the goal of keeping the numbers in check and keeping the health of the population safe, the country's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced that starting this week, testing for coronavirus will be intensified. According to the Ministry's spokesperson, Farida Al Hosani, the aim is to extend the diagnostic tests to include all UAE citizens in order to achieve a "major boost to our successful efforts to contain all infected cases, significantly reduce infections and curb the virus. Data provided by the WAM agency indicate that an additional 40,000 COVID 19 tests have already been performed.

Individual protective measures such as masks or gloves are also being provided to the population in some areas of the country, such as Abu Dhabi. As stated in the publication, the emirate's police are distributing individual protection material to residents in various areas of the city.

In the same vein of protection against the virus, the Ministry has reported on a plan to disinfect 800 mosques. The taxi sector has reported that it will install protective screens in its fleet to minimize infections and thus reduce the risk to both drivers and passengers.

In addition, another important point they are working from the Executive, as confirmed Al Hosani, is to promote e-commerce to offer solutions in 48 hours. Al Hosani revealed that they are working side by side with the private sector to facilitate electronic purchases and guarantee deliveries within two days. 

The pandemic has hit the health systems of virtually all countries hard, but it has also brought out the most humane side: the solidarity of people. In the Emirates, a multitude of volunteers are working to support the disinfection of the country's cities, a daily task since the government has committed itself to disinfecting the cities every day.

The volunteers are part of the Emirates Foundation's National Emergency Response Volunteer Programme. They report that there has been an exemplary response from all the volunteers who are part of this program and are working hard to stop the advance of the coronavirus.

According to the testimonies collected at WAM, the volunteers proudly start their shift at night, at around 8pm, until approximately 6am. During this period, they say, work is better, since people stay home and can fully dedicate themselves to disinfection tasks.