Derry’s MOT test centre at Newbuildings to become test centre for COVID-19
She was speaking ahead of the start of testing on Tuesday at Belfast’s Balmoral MoT centre, off Boucher Road in Belfast.
It joins the SSE Arena to become the city’s second drive-through Coronavirus testing service.
All 11 DVA test centres across the North of Ireland are to be used as COVID-19 centres.
The total number of deaths in the North of Ireland in the Covid-19 outbreak has reached 70, with seven more deaths recorded on Monday.
A special Stormont Covid committee is due to meet for the first time later.
On Monday evening, First Minister Arlene Foster and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar sent best wishes to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after he was moved into intensive care after his condition from Coronavirus worsened.
Some 170 healthcare workers were tested there on Monday, with some getting their results back in the afternoon.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: “Through use of our MoT centres, we are delighted to be able to support the health minister and play our part in helping to rapidly increase testing to help save lives.
“Testing is a vital component in our effort to fight back against Covid-19 – and I’m delighted I can play my part.”
MoTs at the centres have been suspended while the pandemic continues.
The surge of the virus is expected to arrive in the North of Ireland between 6 and 20 April.
The public are bein urged to stay at home and stay safe.
Only leave your home for essential foods, medicines and exercise once a day.
And wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent the spread of this killer virus.
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