Emirates- Covid19 Blood Tests before Boarding

Monday 20th of April 2020

Emirates- Covid19 Blood Tests before Boarding

Dubai-based airline Emirates has begun carrying out Covid-19 blood tests on passengers at the airport before boarding flights. According to a statement released by the airline, the first rapid Covid-19 blood tests took place on 15th April at Dubai International Airport, with passengers on a flight to Tunisia all reportedly tested before departure. Emirates claims to be the world's first airline to conduct such tests.

"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 traveling to countries that require COVID-19 test certificates," said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer, in the statement.

However, serology (blood) tests aren't meant to diagnose active coronavirus infections. Rather, they check for proteins in the immune system, known as antibodies, through a blood sample. Their presence means a person was exposed to the virus and developed antibodies against it.