Under its efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country as well as to ensure early detection and management of the virus, Qatar set up drive-through swabbing facilities at three different locations in May.

Operated by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), the drive-through COVID-19 swabbing hubs are located at the Al Waab, Al Thumama, and Labeeb Health Centers.

The service is offered to individuals who are invited to come for the testing, specifically for those who meet the agreed national standards.

In a statement, PHCC has confirmed that those who do get tested at these drive-through facilities will not get the "gray color" in their Ehteraz application. The color will remain green after taking the medical swab.

However, in case the result is positive for any individual, PHCC will contact the person directly.

توكد مؤسسة الرعاية الصحية الأولية انه لن يتحول اللون الأخضر إلى اللون الرمادي على تطبيق احتراز بعد اجراء الفحص في المركبة حيث ان اللون الأخضر سوف يبقى بعد أخذ المسحة الطبية الخاصة بفيروس كورونا كوفيد-١٩ فيما سوف يتم التواصل مع من تظهر الفحوصات اصابتهم بالعدوى بعد ظهور نتائجهم pic.twitter.com/dfqAyZsnOc

— مؤسسة الرعاية الصحية الأولية (@PHCCqatar) June 24, 2020

Director of Cancer Early Screening Program at PHCC, Dr Sheikha Abu Sheikha, said that PHCC contacts persons who are above 50 years of age as well as those with chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and blood pressure, via SMS to invited them to undergo testing while they remain inside their vehicles.

According to the PHCC official, those who get tested at these drive-through swabbing hubs are often concerned about the possible change of color code on Ehteraz as they are tested.

But the color doesn't change from green to gray upon testing, Dr Abu Sheikha assured.

The color changes won't happen until the results of the tests appear, as the color on the application will be linked to the result directly, she said.

Further, Dr Abu Sheikha said that those who are invited but fail to undergo testing will not have any procedures against them as they are not in contact with COVID-19 infected individuals. The testing will take place once they have accepted to undergo the procedure.

Meanwhile, health authorities in Qatar continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection, and management procedures to deal with the virus, the public has been advised to follow certain measures to safeguard their health.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.

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Cover Image Credit: Twitter/@PHCCqatar