In the media

AfroCentric partners with Navomix Health to roll out Covid-19 rapid testing at South African international airports

25 February 2021

Rapid testing stations at OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports now opened

Johannesburg, 25 February 2021 — JSE-listed healthcare group AfroCentric today announced it is rolling out Covid-19 rapid testing stations, in partnership with Navomix Health, a passenger medical services provider to ACSA, at two major South African airports. International travellers to OR Tambo International and Cape Town International can receive a Covid-19 antigen test upon touchdown or prior to departure in South Africa, as part of a screening regime in the detection of the infectious virus.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the South African economy, with the tourism industry particularly hard-hit. However, as international travellers begin to arrive on our shores again, the sector is starting to show early signs of recovery. "International commercial flights have started arriving in South Africa, and we're pleased that our rapid testing stations are on hand to help with Covid-19 screening," says Ahmed Banderker, CEO of AfroCentric Group.

Bringing industry players together to create a testing solution

AfroCentric will provide the medical equipment (including PPEs) for the rapid antigen testing to be effected at the airports, the wellness stations and with nursing staff to administer the nasal swab tests to travellers. Results will be available to passengers within 15 minutes, allowing them to proceed with their travels safely. In the case of a positive test, the infected traveller would be immediately separated from others at the airport and through the assistance of Navomix Health, directed to follow the quarantine procedures.

Quick testing to help visitor numbers

AfroCentric has been told to expect between 100 and 1,500 passengers per day at their testing stations going forward, as visitor volumes are expected to increase as travel resumes. "Testing will continue for as long as it's needed, changing as regulations and lockdown levels change. Passengers who visit our testing stations will be issued with a testing certificate indicating their results," says Banderker.

The speed with which test results will be available is not the only aspect intended to help contain the spread of the virus: test results will also be shared with the National Department of Health and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), as per law, as well as the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) and the relevant Airline carrier requiring patient screening, allowing authorities to respond more quickly to positive diagnoses.

Should international travel resume at any of SA's other international airports, AfroCentric's offering in partnership with Navomix Health may expand beyond the first two airports identified.

The rapid testing stations are available to all passengers. The service will offer a professional and efficient solution to the challenges that are plaguing the global economy. We will endeavour to offer our support and clinical expertise wherever they are needed to fight the pandemic and alleviate some of the economic burdens that the Virus has thrust upon the world.

"AfroCentric Group takes our responsibility as a leader in healthcare very seriously. We are committed to doing all we can to be helpful to our members, the health industry, and the country, especially at this challenging and uncertain time. Like most people, we also want our lives to return to ‘normal' and are happy to play a role in edging us towards this, by improving screening," says AfroCentric Group CEO Ahmed Banderker.