Dis-Chem Pharmacies has introduced self-service test stations in the mass parking lots of several centers across the country where its retail outlets are locatedArray
This, the organization said, is the result of the pressing desire to accelerate Covid-19 testing, as well as the number of tests expanding daily, resulting in delayed lab results.
The number of positive Covid-19 cases in South Africa rose to 1686, an increase from 31 earlier.
The Health Ministry reported that the user had succumbed to the virus, bringing the total number of deaths to 12.
The total number of covid-19 tests conducted to date is 58,098, the branch said.
“It is imperative to develop the testing capacity for accurate tracking of outbreaks and transmission,” Dis-Chem said.
According to Lizeth Kruger, director of Dis-Chem Clinics, laboratories in South Africa have come under increased pressure due to the increased number of tests.
“This has a ripple effect on effects that take longer, which then adds to the timing of diagnoses. At times like these, anything the personal sector can bring to the government will be valuable: we are all fighting the same invisible enemy, so Dis-Chem will play an important role through execution to ease some of the tension by introducing a reader, through the test option.
The sites will be erected in the car parks of the agreed and will be open from 09:00 to 16:00 from Monday to Friday.
Testing will be conducted outdoors (in the comfort of your car) and exposure to consumers and staff is limited.
Each is supplied with protective appliances for staff, adding face shields, gloves, masks, protective gowns and disposal devices. Testing is open to all and all effects will be recorded with the NICD.
The tests will be carried out by trained registered nurses, the pharmaceutical organization stressed.
The control that is used is the same that is used lately through medical professionals and are performed precisely as in laboratories, he added.
“The control procedure is undeniable: consumers will be directed to the front and then the registration point will be delivered where the NICD documentation completed by the patient will be delivered. After the payment of R850, the control will be carried out. Results will be available 24 to 48 hours after the check.
Currently, the Centurion Mall, Olympus, Fourways Mall and Blu Bird Center (Athol) control sites are open. All available Dis-Chem drive-thru control sites are indexed on the Dis-Chem website, he said.
Dis-Chem Pharmacies plans to increase the number of self-service testing sites in the coming days and encourages consumers to look for updated locations.
“In light of the increasing occurrence of COVID-19 transmissions, it is very important that South Africa can, as it should, wait for the trajectory of this pandemic. With increased testing capacity, we get a more accurate picture of the spread of the virus. “in the country and we are proud to be able to help the fitness government at such a difficult time,” Kruger said.
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