Surge in requests for COVID-19 tests before the holiday season
In the heart of Berlin, Modl Medical's rapid test centre at the KitKat Club is buzzing with activity. The centre, which has the capacity to test up to 750 people daily, is just one of many expected to open in North Rhine-Westphalia and Northern Germany.
Nicole Modl, CEO of Modl Medical, has confirmed that demand for quick coronavirus tests is particularly high before Christmas. This trend is not unique to Berlin; other cities are also experiencing a surge in requests for tests.
Centogene AG, another company operating rapid test centres, is also feeling the pressure. Their centres at airports such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are reporting increased demand for Covid-19 tests.
However, it's not just about the tests themselves. Timo Ulrichs, an epidemiologist from Akkon University, emphasises that test results only provide a snapshot. They are not useful if not accompanied by contact restrictions.
Adequate pre-quarantine, Ulrichs suggests, might be more important than a test. This sentiment is shared by many health professionals as they navigate the ongoing pandemic.
Despite the high demand, staff resources at Modl Medical's centre in Berlin are sufficient, ensuring a smooth testing process for those in need.
As the holiday season approaches, it seems that rapid test centres will play a crucial role in helping Germany manage the spread of Covid-19. With more centres planned to open in the coming weeks, accessibility to testing is expected to improve further.
