In comments to Times of Malta, Health Minister Chris Fearne affirmed that the island received shipments of COVID-19 rapid testing kits earlier this week.
The tests, which give results in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, will be used together with existing testing procedures.
Until now, swab test results can take hours to come out, with many of those tested learning whether they have tested positive for the virus the day after taking the test.
The local health authorities have continued to emphasise the importance of widespread testing as a major factor in helping to control the spread of COVID-19, with the islands currently making use of six testing centres at Mater Dei Hospital, Luxol Grounds, Luqa, Qormi, Burmarrad and in Gozo.
