Ljubljana - PCR testing without prior appointment that is free for those who have tested positive for coronavirus in a rapid antigen test will now be available at two more points in Ljubljana, one at the Aleja shopping mall in Šiška and one at an army barracks east of the BTC retail park. The national lab analyses PCR samples in 20 hours on average.

The two testing points are operated by the private healthcare provider Zdravje. The testing point at the Edvard Peperko Army Barracks in Leskoškova Street opened today to provide drive-through rapid and PCR testing.

The point is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sundays from 9am to 2pm. Testing is available free of charge for everyone with health insurance or Slovenian social security number (EMŠO).

To get tested an ID document and health insurance card are required. Those requiring a PCR test also need to bring a photo of their positive rapid antigen test or self-test or the test itself, properly secured.

PCR testing is also available from today at the outdoor car park of the Aleja shopping mall, from Monday to Saturday from 8am and 8pm and on Sundays from 11am to 5pm. The PCR testing point is separate from the rapid testing point.

"Instead of an ID document it is also possible to show a permit for permanent or temporary residence in Slovenia or the person's employer being headquartered in Slovenia," says a post on the Aleja website.

Self-pay PCR test costs EUR 70.

The PCR testing point of the Ljubljana Community Health Centre is currently located on the north-western outskirts of Ljubljana, at Stanežiče park and ride area.

PCR samples are analysed by the National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food (NLZOH) within 20 hours on average, the lab's head Tjaša Žohar Čretnik told reporters today.

This was after delays were reported last week, which the official blamed on the fact that a system where part of the samples are being sent to Germany for analysis was still being put in place.

Among the samples of tests whose results were announced today 64% had been analysed in less than 24 hours and for only 17 samples it took more than 48 hours for the results to return where the two-day window frame was exceeded by less than an hour, said the official.