Brazil city starts drive-thru coronavirus testing

Authorities in Rio de Janeiro state began conducting drive-thru COVID-19 tests on Wednesday.

Residents of Niteroi, which adjoins Rio de Janeiro city, drove into test centres where they were tested in their cars.

Those who have symptoms of the virus have to download an app that will collect information and will make an appointment for that person to do the drive thru test.

If the test results are positive for COVID-19, five people who had the most contact with the person with the positive test results will automatically be reached to get tested.

"It's safer (to do it via the drive-thru system) because in the health unit you are at risk of get infected if you are not already infected" said Robson Medeiros, a civil engineer living in Niteroi.

According to Niteroi's authorities, that will allow the city to have an idea not just about the number of cases but how the virus is acting in the population.

Brazil has reported 31,199 deaths caused by COVID-19, and more than 555,000 confirmed cases.