DHA official had earlier advised residents not to panic in response to developments surrounding the coronavirus.

Did you know that the UAE has performed over 125,000 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) tests till date!

To date the UAE has performed over 125,000 test. The UAE's testing coverage is the highest in the world, with almost 13,000 people tested per million#coronavirus#covid19@mohapuae pic.twitter.com/UZ5a4NtnlC - ???? ????? ???? (@DHA_Dubai) March 16, 2020

The DHA on its official twitter handle stated that the UAE's testing coverage (in terms of Covid - 19) is the highest in the world, with almost 13,000 people tested per million.

In a previous interview, DHA official had advised residents not to panic in response to developments surrounding the coronavirus. Abdulla Al Rasasi, head of preventive medicine section in public health protection department at DHA, said, "My advice to community members would be to avoid getting into a panic mode. All the relevant authorities, including health authorities in the UAE, are working together in a streamlined and unified process. We have medical teams at Dubai airports and these teams are present 24/7."

He added that airport authorities are carrying out strict measures such as non-intrusive thermal screening for all passengers who arrive at Dubai airports, while passengers from countries with a high infection rate are screened twice. On-site health staffs from the Ministry of Health and Dubai Health Authority are also conducting quick temperature checks on individuals using a hand-held thermometer.

The DHA, along with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and other authorities, have put in place enhanced health checks at airports for all passengers coming into the city from high-risk countries, to prevent spread of the disease, including a nasal swab and completion of a health questionnaire. This is expected to add two to three hours to their journey time. Those found with high temperatures are subjected to further testing, on-site, or asked to stay back until results are ready.

saman@khaleejtimes.com