Coronavirus: citizens and residents to be tested free in Ras al Khaimah

Sheikh Saud Charitable School in Al Mairid area has been set up as a testing facility

A health worker in the UAE examines a sample to test for Covid-19. AFP

Citizens and residents in Ras al Khaimah will be tested free for the coronavirus as more employees return to offices.

The free service will be provided at seven health centres, four hospitals, and mobile medical facilities, it was announced on Thursday.

Sheikh Saud Charitable School in Al Mairid area has also been set up as a testing facility.

The mass testing programme is part of the emirate’s early detection strategy, aimed at identifying, isolating and treating Covid-19 patients before they can spread the virus.

Field teams will also visit employees at their workplace who were not tested in their homes.

“These free of charge Covid-19 tests will be also conducted for all personnel working in various commercial establishments, industrial, industrial and construction sectors, commercial centres, food stores, delivery services, and others,” said news agency, Wam.

The announcement to offer free testing was made by Maj Gen Al Nuaimi during a remote meeting held with representatives of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Department of Public Services, the Centre for Emergency, Crisis and Disasters in Ras Al Khaimah, and other officials.

Close to 4.6 million tests have been carried out across the country as part of a mass screening strategy aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.