The United Arab Emirates has launched a drive- through coronavirus testing facility as part of the Gulf state ’s efforts to fight the disease , the Abu Dhabi government’s media office announced .
The facility, inaugurated by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, will provide safe screenings within five minutes , using state -of -the – art equipment and a highly-qualified medical team , it said .
“A new drive -through testing facility for COVID -19 has launched … to offer safe testing procedures ,” the office said on Twitter Saturday .
According to official state news agency WAM , the facility can serve 600 people a day , with priority given to senior citizens , pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses .
The government media office said people should book an appointment in advance. Tests “for the wider community for reassurance only ” would cost 370 dirhams ( $ 100 ) , according to government advice on Twitter .
The UAE , which has 468 officially declared COVID -19 cases , including two deaths, has imposed restrictions on night movements and taken steps to sanitise outdoor areas and public transport.
The Gulf state has halted passenger flights , closed its borders to foreigners and asked people to go outdoors only if necessary .
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al -Shamsi has issued a list of fines ranging from $ 272 to $ 13 , 600 for those violating regulations imposed to contain the virus.
