Unlike similar facilities in New York and Dubai, due to opposition from the Ministry of Health, the rapid test laboratories set up at the airport will be used by those leaving Israel only
The check2fly laboratory, set up by Omega at Ben Gurion Airport, opened yesterday (Monday) with a celebratory cheer. The laboratory includes test stands on the entrance floor in Terminal 3 and another option for tests in the Drive-in format. Tests with results within 14 hours will cost 45 shekels and faster tests, with Results within 4 hours, will cost 135 shekels, but currently they are not available.
The laboratory opened solemnly when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived to inaugurate it, along with Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Transportation Minister Miri Regev.
"We are here with a state-of-the-art testing system, with a state-of-the-art laboratory in the field, to enable rapid testing. This can help us return to a better, faster and more efficient aviation routine. Our overall situation compared to the world is good, we want it to be better, and we We know we have to follow all the rules. "
However, it is important to note that Corona Laboratories at Ben Gurion Airport will not currently serve those returning from abroad, in contrast to the functioning of similar laboratories in New York, Dubai, Greece, Japan, Germany and other advanced countries in the world.
Those who are mainly opposed to a move that will allow returnees from red countries shortened isolation through inspections, or the entry of foreign tourists into the country, are senior Ministry of Health officials, who apparently currently prefer isolation for two weeks rather than a series of inspections.
This is despite quite a bit of pressure from people in the tourism and aviation industry in Israel.
In recent weeks, the possibility has often arisen that returnees from red countries will be able to stay in short-term isolation through tests, but at the moment there is no significant decision that is expected to be made soon.