Intervention Categories: Surveillance and response measures; Detecting and isolating cases
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Overview: The Korean government set up a large network of testing centres, including “drive-thru” and “phone booth”-style centres, with the aim of testing as many people as possible.
The drive-thru test system involves driving to a designated mobile screening booth and receiving a fever check and COVID-19 swab by medical staff in personal protective equipment. Each mobile screening booth can receive up to six cases per hour, for a total of 60 per day, compared to 20 per day at a regular screening center.
On 4 March, the Central Disaster Safety Response Headquarters announced it would distribute standard operating guidelines for the “drive-thru” testing centers to local governments across the country, after beginning a pilot program.
According to the operating guidelines, the “drive-thru” center tests are to be conducted in four stages: 1) reception; 2) fever testing; 3) sample collection; and 4) disinfection and education. Guidelines note that reservations for tests are necessary to reduce waiting time.
As of March 4, almost 20,000 people were being tested per day.
Full details here: http://www.mohw.go.kr/react/al/sal0301vw.jsp?PAR_MENU_ID=04&MENU_ID=0403&page=20&CONT_SEQ=353347