코로나 장기전 대비...서울 서초구, 비대면 선별진료소 신축<br /><br />Eight months since the first reported case of Covid-19 in the country, South Korea has built a global reputation for its massive testing capacity.<br />The country has carried out over two-point-one million tests so far... and over time, its screening centers have evolved, as well.<br />From drive thrus to walk-ins and walk-thrus... it's now non-contact to lower the risk of infection for frontline healthcare workers.<br />Getting tested for Covid-19 without ever coming in contact with anyone - our Choi Wonjong tries it out himself.<br />With the pandemic continued to linger, a local district in Seoul has come up with a new type of COVID-19 test center...with quicker and safer screening methods.<br />This so-called 'non-contact test center' opened Monday in the Seocho-gu District of Seoul, to minimize unnecessary contact between possible COVID-19 patients and medical workers.<br />The process is simple.<br />Once individuals arrive, they are asked to provide their personal information.<br />Next, they will be escorted to a member of staff who will ask questions based on their symptoms.<br />Then, they will move to another room where doctors will take nose swab samples.<br />What makes the center non-contact are: the door handles...which have thermal sensors for hands-free access.<br />Also, the staff and patients are always separated by glass...with microphones in each room for smooth communication.<br />"Once the samples are collected, the room is disinfected. Disinfectant is sprayed automatically after the individuals leave, and a sterilization lamp stays on for about 8 minutes before the next person enters."<br />The center is able to carry out up to five-hundred tests a day and, without the need to wear heavy protective gear, offers comfortable conditions for doctors and staff.<br />"We don't need to wear Level D protective equipment anymore, or work in a negative pressure room so it's much more comfortable ."<br />There is also an X-ray room and a waiting area for potentially large groups of people requiring checks.<br />This non-contact test center will be able to help the on-site medical workers carry out COVID-19 checks safely and comfortably, even during hot weather or the upcoming cold winter.<br />Choi Won-jong, Arirang News.<br />
