Coronavirus,COVID-19 Image Credit: AFP/US Food and Drug Administration

Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has issued specific instructions about when to seek medical help and opt for an appointment at any of the public or private hospitals and Primary Health Centres. A individual can now book a Covid-19 test at any health centre or hospital provided he or she meets certain basic criteria for the test.

Who should go?

If and individual suffers from symptoms like fever, cough, cold, shortness of breath or experience difficulty in breathing, have a travel history to any of the countries of concern, listed by the Word Health Organisation (WHO) or have been in contact with a suspected or confirmed Covid 19 patient, he or she can first practise isolation at home and schedule an appointment by calling the DHA helpline 800342.

Documents required:

Insurance card

Emirates ID

The Test

This procedure has several steps

Initial assessment for vital parameters such as blood pressure, temperature and so on will be carried out

I form the hospital staff immediately of travel history and mention of places you have visited in the last 14 days

Swab Test of the throat will be takenThe results will be revealed in some cases within 24 hours

Precautions for patients visiting private hospitals

Meanwhile, doctors urged that patients who visit private hospitals even with mild symptoms should also take precautionary measures to protect others including healthcare workers. Dr Rohit Kumar, medical director of Medeor Hospital in Dubai, said any patients suffering from fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath must wear a mask and maintain personal hygiene.

“They should be careful and avoid contact with others. It is important that the patient has to report to the authorities concerned and get immediate treatment. In the UAE, the person suffering from any of the symptoms of the viral infection may call the helpline number and follow the instructions.”

However, he said, if any of them are visiting a hospital on their own, the patient must be coming in his/her personal vehicle rather than using public transport.

“Once they reach the hospital, they must inform the reception staff that they have signs and symptoms of corona and give proper information of themselves.”