Passengers from China travelling to the capital, the Abu Dhabi International Airport will conduct thermal screening upon arrival.
This latest directive is in line with the growing concern over a new coronavirus that reportedly originated in a wet market in Wuhan, China.
The disease has killed at least 18 people, while at least 600 have been infected by it.
Similar cases have been reported in Thailand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the United States of America.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.
Thermal screening technology is designed to gauge a person’s body temperature with the use of a camera.
Abu Dhabi authorities, and the UAE in general, aims to prevent the possibility of the disease entering into the country especially when you consider the huge number of passengers arriving in and out of the country on a daily basis.
In light of this latest development, UAE health officials issued a statement saying that the country is ‘completely free’ from the virus.
“The UAE has an effective integrated system and plans for emergency and crisis to address public health risks and the country is in constant touch with the World Health Organisation, WHO, to find out the latest updates, recommendations and procedures taken in this matter,” read the statement.
“The health situation pose no grounds for concern and the ministry is closely following up on the situation to ensure the health and safety of everyone.”
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