DURBAN - South Africans can now drive to a shopping centre and get tested for the coronavirus and have their results in 24 to 48 hours after testing.
This comes after Pharmaceutical retailer Dis-Chem launched its drive-through testing sites today at their Olympus and Athol Oaklands (Blue Bird) branches in Centurion, Gauteng.
On Thursday more sites are expected at The Ballito Lifestyle Centre and the Pavilion in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Canal Walk in the Western Cape. The drive-throughs are to be situated in the parking areas of the shopping centres and will be open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays.
The National Department of Health says so far 58,000 tests have been conducted. While most of the tests done to date have been via private laboratories, the government has promised to massively scale up its testing from this week.
“It’s crucial that South Africa can accurately predict the trajectory of this pandemic. With a greater testing capacity comes a truer picture of the spread of the virus in the country and we’re proud to be able to support the health authorities during such a challenging time,” said Lizeth Kruger, head of Dis-Chem Clinics in a press statement.
Testing will be done from each vehicle to limit exposure for customers and staff. Each site is being equipped with protective equipment for staff including face screens, gloves, masks, protective gowns and other disposable equipment.
Here's how it works:
Consumers will be directed to the entrance. ‘
Then to a registration point. Here they will need to fill out an NCID
documentation form, which includes asking for people that you may have come into contact with.
Once completed you will then proceed to the payment point.
It costs R850 a test.
Thereafter you will be tested. Tests will be carried out by fully trained registered nurses. The test being used is the same as the one presently utilised by healthcare practitioners.
Results will be available from 24 to 48 hours after testing.
All results will be logged with the NICD.
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