MDA teams took 3,166 swab samples at the new “Keren Or” mobile station developed by the IDF and MDA

3.5.20 

In the Geula (ultra-orthodox) neighbourhood of Jerusalem a special Coronavirus swab samples station was activated. The station, built in a container, developed by the IDF and MDA, is designated to swab civilians without signs and symptoms who may reach the location on foot. The name of the station is “Keren Or” – “A ray of light”, it includes 6 windows enabling teams to take hundreds of samples a day. Until now 3,166 people have been sampled.

Due to its unique design, the “Keren Or” station can be relocated on the back of a truck, and maintain the public order and social distancing procedures during operations. MDA team members are operating the station and the technical aspects are the responsibility of the soldiers and officers IDF’s Technology Brigade.

The new innovative station was stationed at the Shneller compound, located in Jerusalem’s Geula neighbourhood, and order was kept by ushers in order to maintain social distancing. The MDA sampling teams sitting inside the container are protected by a high pressure air system that pushes out the air and maintains a fully sterile environment.

Brigadier General Tal Aharon the head of the IDF Technology & Logistics Brigade: “the mobile lab was developed by the technology division who are working day and night in order to quickly find an innovative solution and assist in the battle against the Coronavirus outbreak. The mobile station is able to conduct multiple swab samples in a relatively short amount time and by doing so assisted in reducing the rate of infection and maintaining the safety of the medical teams. The Technology and Logistics Brigade as well as all the IDF will continue to assist in the fight against the Covid-19 outbreak”.

MDA Director General Eli Bin: “the Keren Or station is an amazing development  by the IDF Technology & Logistics Brigade, that placed the public health at the front and utilized their knowledge and expertise for the Israeli citizens. This development, like the DriveThru compounds, has a crucial role in the struggle against the Coronavirus outbreak, and make it possible to increase the number of swab samples taken throughout the country, while maintaining the safety of the Israeli public and the MDA teams. MDA will continue to be at the forefront of the struggle against the Coronavirus outbreak, with hope for better days soon”.