Dubai opens one of the world's most significant in-house airport PCR test labs
Dubai opened among the world's most significant in-house airport labs for processing Covid-19 RT PCR tests at Dubai AIRPORT TERMINAL (DXB) as it looks to accommodate and accelerate the safe return of international travel.
The lab, due to co-operation between Dubai Airports, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and lab operator Pure Health, can process 100,000 samples daily and offer results in only a few hours, according to Dubai Airports.
"As the world's busiest international hub finding your way through a surge in passenger traffic over the summer holidays and beyond, we were keen to be sure that the airport journey is safer, smoother and faster while fulfilling the required health protocols," Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports, said.
The lab opening coincides with Dubai International Airport's plans to reopen its main terminal this week and hire about 3,500 persons as it prepares for an expected surge in traffic during the coming months. About 66 airlines currently using Terminals 2 and 3 will little by little move their procedures to Terminal 1 from June 24.
Located near to Terminal 2, the 20,000 square-foot laboratory is a dedicated facility for round-the-clock processing of RT-PCR test samples collected from passengers at DXB.
The lab is linked to government reporting platforms ensuring secure and easy sharing of information between health and regulatory authorities and airlines, according to the statement.
"The lab is an excellent demonstration of Dubai's collaborative approach to tackling complex challenges and achieving great results," Sheikh Ahmed said.
The laboratory's capabilities will greatly lessen waiting times for passengers arriving into Dubai and allow authorities to effectively implement relevant preventive and safety procedures, Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, director general of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said.
"As the largest lab operator in the united states and an established doctor, we are looking to secure the safety of the nation's citizens, residents and visitors by adding to a new standard of healthcare that benefits the persons and communities all around us," Farhan Malik, group chief executive of Pure Health, said.
The airport operator is targeting passenger traffic through Dubai AIRPORT TERMINAL to grow 8 % to 28 million this season as travel demand recovers, Dubai Airports' chief executive Paul Griffiths told Reuters on Sunday.
By autumn, 90 % of the 260 destinations served from Dubai airport prior to the pandemic could possibly be restored, Mr Griffiths said, up from 63 per cent currently.
Source: www.thenationalnews.com
