According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), 4,001,103 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been performed in the Kingdom’s laboratories since the first case was reported.
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). It has also recently launched over 50 specialized labs, which are equipped with the state-of-the-art technology, in addition to other hospitals’ labs and specialized units to test for COVID-19 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 continues to expand PCR testing and inaugurate special labs to carry out such tests in the highest quality. Nearly 1,000 PCR tests have been performing a day in various sectors at the onset of the outbreak in the Kingdom. Currently, about 67,000 PCR tests are performed daily.
Furthermore, MOH continues to intensify conducting lab tests through many effective measures 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.
The Ministry has also implemented the second phase of the extensive testing to assess the general prevalence of COVID-19 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’ application to have themselves tested at health centers.
It has also launched ‘Tatamman’ Clinics initiative which 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.
Besides, 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) application.