Preemptive COVID-19 testing launched in the greater Seoul area identified an additional 116 infections on Friday, raising the five-day total so far to 286.

These tests, which are given to people regardless of symptoms and conducted anonymously with only mobile telephone numbers being noted, are provided at newly installed temporary screening centers. On Friday alone, nearly 48-thousand-500 tests were carried out.

Some 150 test sites in total will continue to open near places frequented by a large number of people, such as major subway stations. 131 locations have opened so far including 51 in Seoul and 70 in Gyeonggi Province. 

The anonymous tests will continue for three weeks until January third in an effort to preemptively identify hidden infections.

Close to 120-thousand tests have been conducted at these temporary test facilities over the five-day period since Monday.