[WATCH] Coronavirus: Health authorities open new swabbing centre in Luqa

The health authorities have opened a dedicated centre in Luqa where people suspected of having the coronavirus can go to get tested

Doctors demonstrate the new swabbing procedure at the new Hal Farrug Centre. (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)
Doctors demonstrate the new swabbing procedure at the new Hal Farrug Centre. (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)
Coronavirus: Health authorities open new swabbing centre in Luqa

A new swabbing centre has been opened in Luqa where people suspected of contracting the coronavirus can go to get tested.

The centre is a dedicated building on the outskirts of the Luqa industrial estate in Hal Farrug.

People visiting the centre will be asked to sanitise their hands before entering the building and asked to wear a mask. The person is then directed to a cubicle where a health professional takes a swab from the nose.

The individual is then asked to go home and wait to be contacted with the results of his tests.

The new building is part of government's efforts to try and contain the disease. Malta has so far registered four cases of coronavirus.

People with mobility issues such as the elderly, and tourists, will be assessed by the mobile unit.

Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci said the swabbing centre’s location was chosen for its accessibility. It is also not a central location, limiting the spread of the contagion if present.

The Hal Farrug swabbing centre. (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)
The Hal Farrug swabbing centre. (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)

Asked if more swabbing centres will be opened, Gauci said they are working proactively according to the number of confirmed cases.

“If more cases arise, yes we will have more swabbing centres,” she said.