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

These hubs, which are operated by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), have played an essential role in Qatar's fight against COVID-19.

During a visit to the Al Waab Health Center, one of the three PHCC-operated drive-through swabbing hubs, Her Excellency Qatar's Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari praised the Corporation's proactive role in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar.

HE the Minister pointed out that the quick establishment of these drive-through hubs helped manage the outbreak.

In addition to Al Waab, the other two drive-through swabbing hubs are located in Al Thumama and Leabaib Health Centers.

The hubs began to operate on May 31, under the Ministry of Public Health's (MoPH) efforts to control the pandemic and facilitate early detection.

The drive-through initiative required significant logistical preparations and capacity expansion. This included the availability of trained staff to take accurate swabbing and prompt delivery of swabs to a laboratory for further analysis.

Until now, over 14, 326 appointments have been made by the hubs. Over 10,678 swabbing procedures have been performed.

HE Dr Al Kuwari said, "the drive-through testing service runs across three permanent sites with a fourth planned soon."

PHCC through a booking system invites all high-risk populations to regularly check for the virus, HE the Minister pointed out.

"We know that early diagnosis and timely management makes a big difference in health outcomes. Our unique preventative approach to seek out our patients, test them, and treat them early is one of the success factors of Qatar which has contributed to Qatar's low mortality rate" she said.

"We invite you to respond to the invitation when you get and ensure you are tested. Remember prevention is always better than cure...keep protected, keep your physical distances, wear your mask and wash your hands regularly," she added.

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.

--

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

Cover and Inline Images Credit: Twitter/@MOPHQatar