Hundreds of foreign citizens, who were brought to the UAE from China as part of a humanitarian operation, have completed quarantine and are free of coronavirus.
The 215 students and their families were flown to Abu Dhabi during an evacuation of Hubei province, the origin of the outbreak, by the UAE, in co-operation with the Chinese government.
They were brought to the UAE at the request of their country's respective governments.
On arrival, the evacuees - from 11 countries including Syria, Jordan, Mauritania, Iraq, Sudan, Brazil, Egypt and Yemen - were admitted to Emirates Humanitarian City, where they underwent four rounds of coronavirus testing over a two-week quarantine period.
In an interview with Oloum Al Dar, an Arabic language state TV station, Dr Faisal Al Ahbabi, medical supervisor and spokesman for the city, said all tests proved negative, meaning that none of the patients had Covid-19.
“The guests are well and healthy; the results were negative which means they are well,” he said.
“Today [Tuesday] is the 14th day, which means they have finished the quarantine period.”
Passengers on board the evacuation flight were first tested prior to boarding the Etihad plane - which was equipped with medical facilities - and on arrival to Abu Dhabi.
“Four days later, the second set of tests were conducted – the tests were not limited to the guests [students] but the entire medical crew, janitors, maintenance workers and administrators [who accompanied them],” said Dr Al Ahbabi.
“And after four days, the third round of tests was conducted. Yesterday, the final set of tests were conducted and the results, which came out today, were also negative.”
Initially, the evacuees were due to return to their home countries on completion of the quarantine period. However, patients affected by flight restrictions will remain at EHC until flights resume.
The humanitarian operation was carried out under the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa.
The evacuees were welcomed to the Emirates with a personalised note from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
“We recognise that it is difficult to leave a place that was a safe home to you, particularly when you are leaving it because of an unexpected crisis to go to a new land where you don’t know anyone. For that reason we wanted to welcome you personally to the Emirates. We want you to rest assured that you are among friends and family and you are a dear and honoured guest. We will provide you with complete health care and everything necessary to continue the trip to your home country whenever it is safe for you," the message, signed by Sheikh Mohamed, read.
