The Healthcare Ministry will begin to distribute 13,000 coronavirus tests that can determine the presence of the virus in just 15 minutes. The tests were donated but will reportedly be charged a 1,000 denars per piece.

These are quick tests using the latest technology. They will be used when there are indications requiring a quick detection of the virus, Filipce said.

The growing number of cases which came with the onset of cold weather brought the public testing capacity to the brink. There are daily reports of citizens forced to pay about 4,000 denars (65 EUR) for testing in private clinics, because they can’t get a publicly funded test even after they have developed symptoms.