Zanzibar launches Covid-19 rapid screening services

By BEATRICE MATERU

With a growing number of Covid cases worldwide and the need to safeguard Zanzibar as an ideal and safe tourism destination, the archipelago on Wednesday launched Covid-19 rapid screening for all visitors.

“It is an integrated screening/testing program which works to ease travel restrictions and make the lives of those flying affordable,” said Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, Zanzibar’s minister for Health.

Up until recently, Zanzibar only carried out the Covid-19 rapid test and administered vaccinations to protect its population.

But with the rapid screening, which is done prior to the Covid-19 test, the island will be more prepared to deal with coronavirus cases and be able to quickly map out people at risk.

On Wednesday, Zanzibar’s Health ministry launched a bimolecular technology Covid-19 screening at the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.

“The vital concern of the Ministry of Health is to see that Zanzibar is safe; a safe place for people, including tourists, to come and enjoy. So we have adopted a number of activities that are available in the world to make sure all persons coming to Zanzibar also come in a safer way,” said Mazrui.

The EastAfrican learnt that the island began conducting trial runs last month.

For the rapid screening, an official points his/her smartphone at the traveller’s chest and the electronic magnetic waves emitted from the body will be transmitted to the phone, which will then give feedback on whether the person has Covid-related symptoms.

Depending on the results of the screening, the traveller proceeds for mandatory testing and vaccination where need be.

The screening, adopted from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will ease travel requirements and avoid double testing.