Health Ministry approves coronavirus testing of those not in quarantine
The specimens collected at these clinics could help locate others who need to be isolated.
By MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN, RACHEL WOLFHealth Ministry inspectors speak with a woman who is in self quarantine as a precaution against coronavirus spread in Hadera, Israel March 16, 2020(photo credit: REUTERS/RONEN ZEVULUN)
Starting Sunday, the Health Ministry will allow Israeli clinics to test patients for coronavirus who have not been known to be exposed to the the novel virus, Ynet reported on Thursday.The tests will reportedly be done in special rooms inside the clinics, which are designed so that those visiting with a fever and respiratory symptoms will not infect others.The specimens collected at these clinics could help locate others who need to be isolated, according to Ynet.Israel tests people using what is known as a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR screening, which was invented in the US in 1983.Until now, to receive a test, a Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedic had to be dispatched to the home a potential patient.Upon arrival for a home test, the paramedic swabs a person's nostrils and mouth and stores a refrigerated sample, which is then delivered to one of Israel’s five coronavirus testing labs. The whole process takes around an hour and a half.Now, the process could be faster and reach more people. In addition, MDA is planning to open six new drive-through testing centers in six cities beginning next Sunday, the organization said.
