MOH News

Over 65,000 PCR Tests Being Conducted Daily in the Kingdom, MOH Says
17 July 2020

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), 65,549 COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests have been performed yesterday in the Kingdom.


KSA is one of the first countries in the world to secure laboratory testing for the diagnosis of novel Coronavirus. It has fully prepared and equipped the National Laboratory at the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaya), making it the only reference laboratory to test for COVID-19. MOH has also recently launched several specialized labs and units across the Kingdom. They have contributed to bringing about a qualitative leap and an improvement in services, by providing test results in record time. They have also further reinforced prevention against COVID-19. The Ministry will continue to expand the PCR testing and inaugurate special labs to carry out the necessary tests at the highest quality.

MOH has doubled the number of COVID-19 laboratory tests performed on citizens. It had been performing nearly 1,000 tests a day in various sectors at the onset of the outbreak in the Kingdom. Currently, about 65,000 tests are performed daily. MOH continues to intensify conducting lab tests through many effective measures, as well as launching specialized laboratories   that have contributed to the early detection of infected cases. This has enabled MOH to take rapid steps to deal with the virus spread. These steps included implementing extensive testing through active field surveillance by MOH’s field teams. Expanding COVID-19 tests played an active role in detecting and recording more cases, as well as better containing the situation.

In addition, the Ministry has implemented the second phase of the extensive testing to assess the general prevalence of the novel Coronavirus in the Kingdom. This came as a continuation of the precautionary and preventive measures it took to prevent the spread of the virus and preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents. This phase included selecting samples from individuals who underwent the COVID-19 test through «Mawid» App. to have themselves tested at health centers. 
        
It has also launched «Tatamman» Clinics initiative that included 237 clinics. MOH had prepared these clinics across the Kingdom to serve individuals, who wish to check on their health when they feel COVID-19 symptoms, such as a high fever or respiratory problems. Individuals can directly visit these clinics without having to schedule an appointment in advance. These clinics operate around the clock, and some of them operate for 16 hours all days of the week.

Furthermore, MOH has announced resuming the operation of the third phase of «Taakkad» Centers initiative in various cities of the Kingdom. It comes as part of the extensive testing to assess the prevalence of COVID-19. This initiative was implemented through several outlets, including testing individuals inside their cars through centers established for this purpose in several cities. Primary health care centers (PHCs) also provide testing, and citizens and residents are allowed to book appointments for themselves through «Sehaty» (My Health) App.. 






Last Update : 19 July 2020 08:45 AM
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