As the lockdowns start to slowly phase out across the world, airlines have started prepping themselves for the slew of globetrotters itching to travel again. In the meanwhile, some have started taking precautions now itself. One such airline is the Emirates who claim to be the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers. By Bayar Jain
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Dubai-based Emirates Airlines, in coordination with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), has introduced additional precautions to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. On April 15, all passengers aboard the flight from Dubai to Tunisia were tested for the virus before departure. The process reportedly involved taking a quick blood test by the DHA, following which the results were available within 10 minutes. Reports suggest that these tests were undertaken at the group check-in area of the Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. As per a tweet by the airlines, with this move, Emirates airlines become the first ones to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers.
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However, testing is not the only move they’ve undertaken to prevent the spread. According to reports, the airline has also implemented other policies to encourage social distancing, such as installing protective barriers at check-in desks; making the use of gloves, masks, and sanitisers compulsory for employees at the airport; modifying the inflight service for health and safety; and urging passengers to check-in most carry-ons barring laptop bags, handbags, briefcases, and baby items. Moreover, all aircraft will reportedly go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection process upon landing in Dubai. Speaking about this move, Adel Al Redha, the Emirates Chief Operating Officer has allegedly said that the airline is planning on scaling up the testing capabilities in the future and extending the same to other airlines as well. This, she claims, would help speed up the process for Emirates’ passengers travelling to countries requiring COVID-19 test certificates.
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