It is not allowed to conduct on-request COVID-19 tests in the current situation (Illustrative image)

Following the direction of the Prime Minister, Departments of Health of provinces and cities have invested in equipment, facilities, human resources and biologicals for laboratories in the area to ensure spot tests for SARS-CoV-2 virus. Up to now, 110 laboratories nationwide are qualified for conducting COVID-19 tests.

To ensure investment for effective testing, the National Steering Committee requests the provincial and municipal Departments of Health to direct the implementation of the following activities:

- The procurement and investment in testing machines and equipment must be carefully considered to suit the needs and efficiency of use and avoid waste as testing machines, equipment and biologicals have limited supply and high costs in the complicated situation of the COVID-19 global epidemic.

- During the current period, laboratories carry out screening and affirmative tests at the direction of the National Steering Committee of not conducting testing services on requests./.