Coronavirus testing centers to open at Ben-Gurion Airport

Omega has already reached out to travel agents for the purpose of creating coronavirus test and travel packages.

Passengers wearing masks push trolleys at the departures terminal at Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Passengers wearing masks push trolleys at the departures terminal at Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Long-awaited rapid coronavirus testing centers have been installed at Ben-Gurion Airport, and they will begin operating pending Health Ministry approval from November 9, Globes reported.
Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center won the Airports Authority tender for the testing it will operate them in cooperation with coronavirus testing center Omega.
The installation of the “Check2Fly” testing stations at Terminal 3 will greatly help ease travel for locals and will facilitate government plans to gradually permit non-Israelis to fly in.
 
Omega has already reached out to travel agents for the purpose of creating coronavirus test and travel packages.
 
Available 24/7, the stations will reduce the test cost for Israelis traveling to countries that require coronavirus tests in English. A test with 14-hour results will cost NIS 45, and a test with four-hour results will cost NIS 135.
 
Travelers who receive a negative result will receive a “medical passport” in English before their flight, according to Globes. The test samples will be from the Check2Fly stations to a laboratory located at the airport.
The testing stations will also allow incoming business executives from high infection, or “red,” countries to enter Israel, according to Globes.
 
Ben-Gurion Airport has been closed to almost all non-Israelis since the start of the coronavirus crisis. Most recently, however, the Economy Ministry gave approval for the entry of business officials traveling from red states if they present negative tests.