The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has ordered 500 converted Renault Master vans for use as mobile Covid-19 testing units.
The 500 vans will replace – and nearly double – DHSC’s existing fleet of 258 vehicles. The bespoke conversion offers twice the daily testing capacity of the previous vans, with each vehicle able to store 1,000 Covid test kits.
The Renault vans have been converted to ensure safe and comfortable conditions for staff and patients. Features include twin awnings with layouts to accommodate drive-through testing and staff welfare areas, pedestrian testing bays, onboard heating, hot water and hand-washing facilities, a generator for additional power, comprehensive charging and electrical access points, plus extra lighting,
Renault said the vehicles were developed within three months.
‘Controlling the spread of Covid’
“We are exceptionally pleased that the Renault Master is playing a part in helping the DHSC to continue its invaluable work in controlling the spread of Covid,” said Vincent Tourette, MD of Renault UK.
“Being able to provide such a substantial number of base vehicles in such a short timeframe presented a significant challenge, but it’s something that we and our factory were proud to overcome.”
It is yet to be determined how long DHSC will use the vans for.
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