Posted on 07/02/21
| News Source: i24
Massive tent complex will be able to handle up to 2,500 PCR tests per hour
Israel on Friday morning began construction on an expanded COVID-19 testing site at Ben Gurion Airport that will have the capacity to handle up to 2,500 PCR tests per hour, the Defense and Transportation ministries said.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett posted pictures to Twitter of the massive tent complex (around 1,500 square meters) being built at an outdoor parking lot, saying in Hebrew that the extension will "shorten queues and allow quick tests."
He added that "things are moving!"
Bennett in the tweet thanked Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked.
Construction of the facility, which will pause Friday evening for Shabbat and resume Saturday night, is expected to be completed by next week.
"This new testing site is absolutely necessary in the fight for the health of the public and defending Israel's borders against the virus," said Michaeli.
The Israeli Ministry of Health said Friday morning that 295 cases of coronavirus have been identified in the past 24 hours.
The percentage of positive tests decreased slightly from the previous day and stands at 0.5 percent.
According to the latest report from the ministry, the number of patients in critical condition stood at 26 people, 16 of whom were on respiratory assistance.