IDF-run drive-in virus testing sites to close as labs swamped

15 September 2020, 6:07 pm

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The Israel Defense Forces’ Home Front Command will close most of its drive-in coronavirus testing sites until the end of the week because laboratories are unable to keep up with demand, the military says.

The IDF says most of the 20 drive-in sites that it operates will close tomorrow morning and remain closed until Friday. Facilities in Petah Tikva, Netanya, Givat Shmuel, Holon and Ashdod will remain open due to large-scale outbreaks in those cities.

By closing the facilities for two days, the labs will be able to catch up, according to the military. More than 55,000 test swabs are taken each day, while laboratories across the country are only able to perform roughly 50,000 tests daily, the IDF says.

— Judah Ari Gross