A comprehensive measure for mass coronavirus testing: Drive-thru testing stations (Gyeonggi-do, Korea)

World's first Drive-through testing station for COVID-19 in Gyeonggi-do will be a good precedent for nations with outbreaks.

The South Korean province of Gyeonggi-do has been operating a large-scale drive-thru screening program from March 7, 2020, for the rapid testing and control of COVID-19.

The drive-thru screening program of Gyeonggi-do provides quick and safe testing for those with suspected symptoms. In addition, 2 screening centers in Gyeonggi-do equipped with 10 negative air pressure rooms (inward air flow prevents the virus from escaping) have the capacity to conduct 600 tests a day.

Drive-thru screening is considered to be a comprehensive measure for urban areas with a large populations. Seven U.S. states – California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Washington – have launched drive-thru testing stations. US President Donald Trump has recently announced that the US government is partnering with private companies to set up more drive-thru testing sites for COVID-19. 

[Quick and Safe! Gyeonggi-do ‘Drive-thru’ Screening Information]

Drive-thru testing site in Suwon World Cup Stadium Car Park P4

Procedure: Entrance → Registration (check reservation) → Checkup (body temperature measurement, remote examination by phone call, sampling) → Follow-up instructions → Disinfection process → Exit

Period: From March 7, 2020

Hours: 09:00 – 20:00 (daily)

Venue

- (Southern Gyeonggi-do) Suwon World Cup Stadium Car Park P4

- (Northern Gyeonggi-do) Gyeonggi Provincial Government North Office Car Park

Reservation: +82-(0)31-120(Gyeonggi Call Center)

Notice

- No passenger except the driver of the vehicle is permitted during the screening.

- The screening requires advanced reservation.

[Features of Drive-thru testing station in Gyeonggi-do]

• Feature 1 : Drive-thru screenings facilitate large-scale inspections.
• Feature 2 : It only takes 15 minutes per person; an average of 360 people can be tested daily (based on 10-doctor engagement).
• Feature 3 : Compared to general (designated) clinics, it reduces procedural time by 80% while enabling the coverage of 3.5 times more subjects
• Feature 4 : It reduces face-to-face contact, thereby decreasing the potential for infection via clinics