Photo/Illutration A person participates in a demonstration of a drive-through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the novel coronavirus in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward on April 22. (Ryo Kato)

The first drive-through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing facility in Tokyo opened in Edogawa Ward on April 22 as part of the ward’s efforts to strengthen its response to novel coronavirus infections.

The facility allows ward health authorities to do everything from diagnosis and collection of samples to testing and assisting patients with recuperation.

Edogawa Ward Mayor Takeshi Saito said the ward hopes to “establish a model that other municipalities around the country can use as well.”

The facility is one of 10 where doctors do not need to obtain approval from public health centers before conducting PCR tests on patients as currently required.

The Tokyo Medical Association, comprised of a group of doctors, is aiming to set up such testing facilities by the end of April in the capital in cooperation with municipalities.

People who suspect they may be infected with the virus can consult a practicing doctor over the phone and then take a PCR test if the doctor deems it necessary.

The drive-through is expected to help prevent in-hospital infections since people can get tested there instead of visiting medical institutions or public health centers.

The ward also increased its testing capabilities to enable public health centers to conduct about 30 additional PCR tests a week.

The facility will start with that number of tests and consider doing more after assessing the extent of the spread of the virus.

The ward also secured accommodations for infected patients with mild symptoms and began accepting patients there from April 22.