Denmark suspends flights from Dubai amid doubts over virus tests

Denmark suspends flights from Dubai amid doubts over virus tests

Denmark has temporarily suspended all flights from the United Arab Emirates for five days after suspicion arose the coronavirus tests that can be obtained before leaving Dubai are not reliable, authorities announced Friday.The development, which comes amid a surge of infections in the UAE, poses a direct challenge to the mass testing regime that had been the pillar of the country's coronavirus response and economic reopening. Dubai was one of the world's first destinations to open up to tourists, welcoming visitors from anywhere with only a coronavirus test.Danish Transport Minister Benny Engelbrecht said the decision was made to allow the matter to be thoroughly investigated and ensure that the testing is being carried out properly.“We can't ignore such a suspicion,” Engelbrecht said, adding that the ban entered into force on Thursday night.Danish authorities faced a “concrete and serious citizen inquiry into" how the tests are carried out at Dubai entry and exit points, he said, and "therefore we need to be absolutely sure that there are no problems."Engelbrecht said at least "one citizen" brought the South African variant of the virus "back from Dubai." He did not identify the person. Dubai has seen an increase in the number of South