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Precautions: Emirates Rolls Out 'Rapid' COVID-19 Testing For All Passengers Departing DXB

Emirates, in coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA), is the first airline to conduct 'rapid' COVID-19 tests for all passengers departing from Dubai.

Emirates, in coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA), is the first airline to conduct ‘rapid’ COVID-19 tests for all passengers departing from Dubai.

The first COVID-19 blood tests were taken from passengers travelling on Thursday’s flight to Tunisia and were conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Passenger results were available within 10 minutes of the quick test, which was conveniently done at the Group Check-in area of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer said: “The testing process has gone smoothly and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dubai Health Authority for their initiatives and innovative solutions.”

“We are working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it to other flights, this will enable us to conduct on-site tests and provide immediate confirmation for Emirates passengers travelling to countries that require COVID-19 test certificates.”

“The health and safety of staff and passengers at the airport remain of paramount importance.”

Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer

Additional Precautions

Abiding by the social distance rules, Emirates check-in and boarding formalities have been adapted. Protective barriers have been installed at each check-in desk and gloves, masks and hand sanitisers have been made mandatory for all employees at the airport.

Passengers are also required to wear their own masks when at the airport and on board the aircraft, as well as following social distancing guidelines. Emirates has modified its inflight services for health and safety reasons.

Magazines and other print reading material will not be available, and food and beverage packaging and presentation will be modified to reduce contact during meal service.

Say goodbye to your big old carry on bag; cabin baggage are currently not accepted on flights.

Carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. All other items have to be checked in.

Emirates is adding the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance.

All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.

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