The COVID-19 pandemic is still spreading across the world since most of the countries haven't received the promised vaccines yet. Because of this, the upcoming Christmas and New Year will not be the same as the previous years.
The restrictions implemented by the governments prevent people from going out in public too much. This means that many families will be forced to spend the holidays within the vicinities of their houses.
However, medical researchers, scientists, and other experts are doing their best to create ways and develop innovations that would completely prevent the further spreading of the novel coronavirus.
Right now, the world's first COVID-19 vending machine has rolled out in Latvia, Europe. To give you more idea, here's how the new technology works.
World's first COVID-19 vending machine
According to Business Insider, the new vending machine can issue COVID-19 tests. Not only that, but it can also store samples. As of the moment, it has been installed outside a hospital in Riga.
Scientists claim that the first COVID-19 vending machine at the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital in Riga can dispense PRC swab tests. They also claimed that innovation can remove the need for five medical workers. If this is true, it can help many medical experts to do other tasks.
"The device removes the need for two to five medical workers to administer the tests, and it removes any risk of infection," said Didzis Gavars of the E. Gulbja Laboratory via Business Insider.
PRC tests involve taking a swab of the nose and throat. After acquiring the needed samples, it will then proceed to test the genetic code (RNA) of the novel coronavirus.
Right now, this is the method across the globe. A technician will collect the tests from the vending machine at the end of the day.
Free COVID-19 tests kits in Hong Kong's subways
Europe is not the only one making innovations to fight the ongoing pandemic. New York Post previously reported that free COVID-19 test kits are being provided buy vending machines at Hong Kong subway stations.
The Asian country said that it will supply more than 10,000 testing kits each, which will be distributed to 10 stations. It was explained that once the commuters acquired the free test kits, they must provide or return them to designated, government-run clinics.
With these kinds of technologies, the world could really bounce back from the novel coronavirus pandemic.
For more news updates about COVID-19, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.
