TOKONAME, Aichi Pref.: A polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, testing center will open at Chubu Centrair International Airport in central Japan on Monday, to issue coronavirus negative certificates for outbound travelers.

The center is designed to enhance the convenience of people visiting countries that require negative test results upon entry. Test certificates can be issued within about three hours after test samples are taken from travelers.

The airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, will be the second airport in Japan to have a facility equipped with a PCR testing laboratory within its premises after Narita International Airport near Tokyo.

The new PCR center, shown to the media on Saturday, is attached to a clinic located at the Chubu airport and operated by Fujita Academy in Toyoake, Aichi.

Up to about 100 PCR tests per day can be conducted at the facility, which has two sample collection booths and two testing devices, each capable of testing 12 samples at a time.

Travelers who wish to undergo PCR testing at the new center have to make prior reservations. The testing charge is set at 38,500 yen, including the fee for certificate issuance.

Currently, a total of seven flights per week are connecting the Chubu airport and three overseas cities–Manila, Seoul and Taipei. In October, flights between the airport and Singapore are set to be resumed.

The new PCR center will be open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

JIJI Press