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U.A.E. Ramps Up Coronavirus Testing Rate to One in Ten People

U.A.E. Ramps Up Coronavirus Testing Rate to One in Ten People

(Bloomberg) --

The United Arab Emirates increased the coronavirus testing rate to about one in ten people, a government spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The Gulf country, which has opened government drive-thru test centers across the country, is focused on making testing widely available to all those who need it, the spokesperson said. The U.A.E.’s state news agency WAM said the country built three additional field hospitals with a total 3,400 bed capacity.

The U.A.E. prioritizes testing people showing symptoms or those exposed to others with the virus, senior citizens, people with underlying health conditions and pregnant women. Others can take the test for a fee.

The country has a population of about 9 million and has reported 7,755 virus cases.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.