In South Korea, people who have symptoms of Covid-19 can get screened at drive-through testing facilities while remaining in their cars, Korea.net reports.

Over 500 Covid-19 testing stations in South Korea

These drive-through testing stations are the first of its kind in South Korea, and officially opened on Feb. 26.

There are over 500 drive-through testing stations and more stations have been set up across the nation.

This unique method of screening was apparently inspired by the drive-through systems at F&B chains like McDonalds and Starbucks, according to CNN.

Currently, more than 100,000 people have been screened.

Screening process takes less than 10 minutes

The drivers will drive to one of these testing stations which are usually stationed at a parking lot.

The medical workers at the station will ask visitors about their travel history, check for any symptoms and take their temperatures.

Only those who are thought to be at risk will undergo nose and throat swabs.

The entire process takes around five to 10 minutes, with both passengers and drivers remaining in their cars the entire time.

Those who visited the testing stations will receive their results within three days via text message.

Efficient and safer screening

It is much faster to be tested for Covid-19 at drive-through stations than at hospitals or clinics.

The brief interaction between medical workers and suspected cases also makes this method much safer than being tested at a clinic where other patients and medical staff gather with suspected cases in an enclosed space.

However, the downside of the drive-through screening is having to carry it out in the cold.

Medical workers in their protective suits might face difficulties finding a bathroom or drinking water when they are on duty.

Over 6,000 confirmed cases and 42 deaths as of Mar. 5

On Mar. 5, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Korea rose to 6,088 and the death toll has risen to 42.

A majority of the cases have been identified in the city of Daegu and neighbouring North Gyeongsang province with around 60 per cent of the total cases linked to the fringe religious sect in Daegu, Shincheonji Church.

Top image via Arirang News on YouTube