The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in collaboration with PHCC, HMC Ambulance, HMC Laboratories and Qatar University operated drive through swabbing hubs at three PHCC health centers.

The aim of this exercise was to conduct a community survey and gain more insight into community transmission and asymptomatic cases, which will in turn inform policy decisions.

HE Minster of Public Health Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari said: "We are constantly looking a new ways of identifying any undetected cases in the community so that we help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and provide the appropriate care and support to people who have the virus but who are showing no symptoms. We have used drive through testing in the past successfully and we invite you to join this latest drive through initiative. I urge everyone who receives an SMS to take part and get tested."

In line with national guidance, the swabbing hubs at PHCC health tested 2500 members of the public at 3 Primary Health Care Centers: Al Thumama, Al Waab and Leabaib staffed by PHCC, HMC and Qatar University Volunteers.

This service was not a drop-in service and only those who meet the nationally agreed criteria for research and have been asked to attend will be given the test.

Those referred to the drive through swabbing hubs arrived in their own car and did not enter the building. They were registered and asked a series of questions for research purposes, then proceeded to be swabbed by specially trained Health Worker. The swabbing process involved a cotton bud being inserted into the nose, the sample was then securely stored and transported to HMC Laboratory for analysis.

Once participants were swabbed at one of the drive through hubs, they will receive results from the Ministry of Public Health as soon as possible by phone.

Members of the public called for the test were not suspect Covid-19 patients.

PHCC pointed out that it will continue to work closely with key stakeholders across the sector to determine requirements for these services to be provided in the future.

Source: QNA

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Sumaica Asad

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