DUBAI — Authorities in Dubai have conducted approximately 35,000 COVID-19 tests for teachers and administrative staff working in Dubai private schools ahead of the start of the new academic year. The tests, which are free of charge, have been conducted Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in cooperation with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the COVID-19 Command and Control Center (CCC), the UAE’s state news agency WAM reported. The tests aim to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community and reflect the government’s efforts to ensure the safety of students and staff across private schools in Dubai. The DHA ensured comprehensive preparations were in place to screen school staff for COVID-19. It formed a specialized task force consisting of doctors, nurses and medical staff, and provided them with state-of-the-art equipment to conduct tests that conform to the highest safety standards in accordance with global health and safety protocols. The COVID-19 tests, offered in nine centers over a period of six days, were successfully completed according to schedule. Those who were tested received their results within 12 hours of the procedure. The Dubai Health Authority stressed that it spares no effort to ensure the highest levels of health and safety for the community.