Qatar launches drive-through COVID-19 test hubs

The new service will be offered to only those who were invited by a phone call

Dubai: Qatar’s Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) announced it will be operating invitation-only drive through swab hubs at Al Thumamam, Al Waab, and Leabaib health centres starting May 31.

The new service, which will be available starting Sunday, will be offered to only those who were invited by a phone call from the PHCC to book an appointment. Priority will be awarded to the elderly and those at higher risk of COVID-19.

On its twitter page, the corporation affirmed that the move comes as part of Qatar’s wide efforts to manage the COVID-19 outbreak, reduce the viral spread and ensure early detection to prevent progression of disease.

Active COVID-19 cases in Qatar took a steep tumble on Friday as the country recorded its biggest single-day jump in recuperating rate.

According to the Ministry of Public Health, 5,205 patients recovered on Friday, even as three more succumbed to the virus and 1,993 more tested positive for the virus. The death toll so far stands at 36.

Despite the fatalities and the jump in fresh cases on Friday, the active cases fell from 35,482 to 32,267, thanks to the spike in recovery rate. The steep increase in recoveries comes after the Hamad Medical Corporation revised its COVID-19 protocol and said it would discharge asymptomatic patients 14 days after the first positive swab test.