As the nation confirms more than 200,000 Covid-19 infections per day, Myongji Hospital has opened a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test center.

According to the hospital, the test center, which started operation on Wednesday, will be open all year round from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday through Saturday and until 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

The hospital said that people in the government’s priority groups, including older adults and those with underlying conditions, can take the test free of charge. It has also considerably shortened the analysis time from six to 12 hours to three to four hours by introducing a rapid diagnostic kit and real-time gene amplification device.

The hospital expects that the fast result will make it possible to increase the efficiency of patient isolation and close contact management.

Myongji Hospital installed the rapid PCR test center in a park behind the hospital with a separate access line. In addition, it secured separate parking spaces to avoid contact between test takers and general patients.

Notably, considering that it is difficult to receive tests on holidays, nights, and weekends at public health centers and temporary test centers, the hospital has decided to operate eight reception counters, two treatment rooms, and six sample collection rooms all year round to handle the rushing demand for tests in the morning quickly.

Myongji Hospital has operated a separate ward dedicated to treating severe Covid-19 patients, a respiratory fever clinic, and a screening laboratory.