Seoul Metropolitan Government on Thursday suspended operations at drive-thru COVID-19 testing centers for a day due to a nationwide wind advisory.

The city said with strong gusts expected throughout the day until Friday morning, four drive-thru centers in the capital would be closed to protect the facilities and prevent accidents.

The outdoor facilities use tents and container boxes that are vulnerable to strong winds.

In particular, typhoon-strength gales could hinder the collection of samples, endanger individuals and prevent accurate testing.

The four drive-thru testing centers were established in early March to quickly detect cases of COVID-19 in the city.