RIYADH — The Ministry of Health (MoH) has doubled the number of tests for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Since the outbreak of the virus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the number of daily examinations was approximately 1,000, but it now stands at 45,000 tests. The Health Ministry indicated that it has conducted more than one and a half million coronavirus laboratory tests in Saudi Arabia with advanced testing technologies, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The Kingdom is one of the first countries in the world to provide laboratory testing for the virus, as it has prepared and equipped the national laboratory at the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control for COVID-19 tests. The Ministry has also recently launched a number of specialized laboratories and units throughout the Kingdom, which contributed in bringing about a quantum leap and advanced services, represented in obtaining test results in a record period. MoH continues to intensify laboratory tests through several effective measures that contributed to early detection of coronavirus cases. These measures included the implementation of the expanded testing which focused on conducting testing by field teams of the Ministry, which resulted in more infections contributing to better containment of the virus. The Health Ministry has implemented the second stage of its expanded COVID-19 testing that aims to assess the general spread of the novel coronavirus in Saudi Arabia. It also launched the initiative of (Tetamman) clinics which number 237 in various regions of Saudi Arabia, serving individuals who show COVID-19 symptoms such as: high fever, which may be accompanied by shortness of breath or coughing, without appointments. The Ministry of Health has also launched the third stage of Make Sure (Taakkad) initiative centers across the Kingdom cities, as a part of the expanded screening to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19. This initiative is carried out through different methods, including drive-through coronavirus testing centers, and at primary healthcare centers. Citizens and residents can book an appointment to take samples via (Sehaty) App. The ministry will continue to expand conducting COVID-19 tests in addition to inaugurating laboratories to perform these tests with the highest quality. — SPA