This page contains all the necessary information about the Ghent Covid-19 Test Centre at the AZ Jan Palfijn Site.
Why this test centre?
The test centre has been set up to take the pressure off GPs. The amended test strategy (from 22/10/2020 until 23/11/2020) meant that for a limited time only people with symptoms could be tested. From 23/11/2020, inhabitants of Ghent who do not show any Covid-19 symptoms, who had a high risk contact or have come back from a red zone can once again go to the test centre. The test needs to be administered on day 7 counting from the day after the high risk contact or the day of your return to Belgium.
Do you feel ill? Then you always have to contact your GP.
Who needs to get tested at the Ghent Test Centre?
Everybody who meets all of the following conditions can make an appointment for a test:
- You have no OR mild Covid-19 symptoms (e.g. at least 2 of the following: a small cough, headache, sore throat, runny nose, loss of smell or taste,…)
- One of the following conditions:
- 2a. You have received a text message containing a CTPC code (Covid Test Prescription Code) which allows you to book an appointment for a test at the test centre:
- After contact research by the government.
- After return from a red zone.
- Your GP has prescribed a test to be administered at the test centre.
- 2b. You have been contacted by your school’s CLB physician (pupil guidance centre)
–> The CLB physician has given you a letter of referral to be taken to the test centre. - 2c. You have been contacted by the contact researchers of the educational institution -> You take your letter of referral with you to the test centre
- 2d. Your GP has referred you to the test centre for a COVID-19 test.
- 2a. You have received a text message containing a CTPC code (Covid Test Prescription Code) which allows you to book an appointment for a test at the test centre:
- You live in Ghent or one of its suburbs (postcodes 9000, 9030, 9031, 9032, 9040, 9041, 9042, 9050, 9051 or 9052)
Please note! Children younger than 6 do not have to be tested.
Make an appointment for a test
The Ghent test centre only works with appointments, from Monday through Saturday, from 8am until 8pm.
- Answer the questions and make an appointment
- Do you have an appointment? Then you will receive an e-ticket containing a QR code.
- Make SURE to bring your e-ticket (on paper or digital) containing QR code, your ID card, 2 health insurance stickers and your face mask to the test centre. If you have been referred by the CLB or institute of higher education, please also bring your letter of referral. Please note: you will not be allowed in without an appointment.
Please note! You also need to make a separate appointment for children! They cannot come on appointment of a parent!
Do you need help making your digital appointment with the test centre? The City of Ghent can help you on 09 210 10 40 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm).
Please ring the corona helpline for all other queries about corona on 0800 146 89 (Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm).
What is the test procedure?
- Arrive at the test centre on time for your appointment. Come alone. If that is not possible, somebody is allowed to accompany you to assist. Your assistant will be asked to wait outside whilst your test is being administered.
- Upon arrival, please first disinfect your hands. It is compulsory to wear a face mask.
- Show your E-ticket, ID card, health insurance stickers and any other forms of proof (CLB letter, etc.).
- Scan your QR code.
- Wait your turn and always leave 1.5 metres distance.
- When it’s your turn, go to the chair in the consultation area. A healthcare worker will administer the test by taking a swab of the inside of your nose. They will also measure your temperature, pulse and blood oxygen saturation level.
- Your visit to the test centre will last about 15 minutes.
The test centre is accessible for wheelchair users.
What happens after the test?
- You will have to quarantine until after the result of your test. The test result is available after 48 hours and you will receive a text message if your result is negative. If you did not receive a text message, you can also check your test result on mijngezondheid.belgie.be. Please only contact your GP or the test centre if you cannot find your test results there after 48hrs.
- In the case of a confirmed negative test and if you do not have any symptoms anymore, you are allowed to end your quarantine.
- In the case of a positive result, your GP will contact you. After a positive result, you have to self-isolate for at least 7 days from the start of the symptoms. You are only allowed to stop isolating after 7 days if you have been free of fever for at least 3 days and have no respiratory issues (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing) anymore.
- If your symptoms are getting worse, you have to contact your GP immediately.
Where is the test centre and how can you get there?
AZ Jan Palfijn Site
Watersportlaan 5
9000 Ghent
The test centre is in the black annex (ground floor) next to the AZ Jan Palfijn Ghent hospital.
- Arriving by car: take entrance Watersportlaan 5 by AZ Jan Palfijn Ghent and continue driving until you reach the visitors car park. After parking, you follow the signs for the test centre “Testing COVID-19”. The test centre is in the black building to the left of the hospital building (please note: do not enter via the hospital). After testing, you can use a pay station at the hospital to validate your car park ticket. You can find the pay station on your immediate right when you enter.
- Arriving by bicycle or on foot: take entrance Henri Dunantlaan 5 (by nursery Kobe & Nanou). follow the signs for the test centre “Testing COVID-19”. The test centre is in the black building to the left of the hospital building (please note: do not enter via the hospital).
When arriving by public transport, the nearest bus stops are:
- Ghent Beneluxplein (bus numbers 9 – 38 – 39)
- Ghent Ekkergemkerk (bus numbers 14 – 15 – 16 – 53 – 65- 67- 69)
How do you respect my privacy?
We gebruiken je persoons- en gezondheidsgegevens alleen voor de testing, tracering en opvolging van Covid-19. Alleen jijzelf, de betrokken zorgverleners en de overheid kunnen de gegevens zien zien.
Anderen kunnen je niet herkennen. Daar zorgen we voor. Bovendien verwerken we je gegevens anoniem.
Who are our partners?
The Ghent test centre partners are:
Together with Golazo.