Magen David Adom will activate an array of rapid COVID-19 tests across the country
Following the request of the Ministry of Health, Magen David Adom will activate, from this coming Sunday (Aug.8th), about 120 rapid COVID-19 test sites (antigen tests) to detect the corona virus, the testing sites will be located at 120 MDA stations and other major centers nationwide, in order to help Israeli citizens continue their daily routine, in the shadow of the corona virus. The rapid tests intended for those who are required to present the Green Pass and are not vaccinated or recovered and will provide the test result within 15 minutes, the results will be updated in the Green Pass systems of the Ministry of Health and the HMOs.
As part of the project, a person required to conduct a rapid COVID-19 test, will book an appointment by calling *3101, will receive a test appointment by auto-voicemail or via a link sent by text message, and will perform the test at one of Magen David Adom's rapid test centers around the country. According to the Ministry of Health guidelines, the tests are conducted for a fee. The test results will be sent directly to the Ministry of Health, to the HMOs and to the person himself in a text message, they will be updated in the Green Pass app and will allow participation in public events in accordance with the requirements, updated from time to time by the MOH. If the test result is positive - the person will be required, according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, to enter quarantine and perform a standard PCR test through the HMO or at one of the Test and Drive complexes.
Dr. Rafael Strugo, MDA Deputy Director General of Medicine: "Through the deployment of about 120 testing positions around the country, that will be open to the public from morning to evening, it will be possible to perform tens of thousands of rapid tests every day and to receive a test result within a quarter of an hour. The accuracy level of these tests is between 85% to 95% and will allow all Israelis to participate, according to the updated Green Pass and in the safest way, at events, going to shows, movies, etc. It is important to emphasize that the rapid tests are intended for an isolated update of the Green Pass, in preparation for participation in events as determined by the Ministry of Health and is not intended to diagnose coronavirus for people with symptoms."
Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz: "This move will enable the implementation of the Green Pass regulations, and continue the daily activities as much as possible, while maintaining public health. The quick tests will allow anyone to be tested efficiently, reliably and in an accessible manner, get an answer within 15 minutes, and enter any event or complex freely. We understand that the corona will not disappear soon, and along with the vaccines, the quick tests are the ones that will enable safer management of life in Israel over time. I would like to thank Magen David Adom and Director General Eli Bin for their immediate response and cooperation in this important step and throw-out the entire corona outbreak for the public health."
MDA Director General Eli Bin: "Magen David Adom has been at the forefront of the national struggle with Corona since the first day of the epidemic in Israel and will continue to do so until the epidemic is eradicated and a real and complete return to normal life. The Ministry of Health has assigned Magen David Adom, Israel's national rescue organization, the task of rapid sampling due to the proven experience in short time deployment and providing high quality and professional service. The opening of the rapid test possitions is another step in interrupting the chain of infection and obtaining a quick result will help the people to proceed and conduct safely. "
