This offering contributes to the nationwide strategy of detecting infections more quickly and thus preventing further chains of infection. Comprehensive testing is also of great importance for potential opening steps, especially with regard to retail and retail real estate. The test
platforms are embedded in the comprehensive protection and hygiene concept, which URW has already established and continuously optimized since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. URW operates 22 shopping centers across Germany, including in Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Leipzig, the Stuttgart area and the Ruhr region. By the end of March, the majority of the planned test centers should be in operation.*
In the coronavirus pandemic, the nationwide expansion of testing facilities, in combicnation to the growing vaccination capacities, is an important component for a rapid path towards normality. Depending on the location, all relevant test types are offered in the test centers: from rapid antigen tests via swab or saliva sample to antibody blood tests and common PCR tests. In some cases, thanks to the latest technology, those tested only have to wait a maximum of 15 minutes for their results in the case of rapid tests and 90 minutes in the case of PCR tests.
Local partners: public health departments, municipal administrations and pharmacies
The test centers, which were installed in coordination with the local health authorities, are operated in each case with local partners, for example in Centro in Oberhausen together with the City of Oberhausen and Deutsches Rotes Kreuz as a drive-in test center (since March 13, 2021), in Pasing Arcaden in Munich with the pharmacy located in the center (since March 15, 2021), or in Gropius Passagen in Berlin, among others, with the specialized service company Trendcard (from March 18, 2021). Professionally trained personnel are on duty on site. In general, the test centers are open Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 20:00 in accordance with the core opening hours. Locations include parking lots and parking garages, temporary vacancies or unused office space.
“It is very important for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield to provide citizens with this service and health offering, which is so crucial in times of Corona, at assets we operate. Along with vaccination, testing is a key element in getting a better handle on the pandemic. Comprehensive and well- organized testing platforms are also essential in the context of potential opening steps for retail and retail real estate. We are therefore very pleased to be able to install the majority of the planned test centers so quickly with the respective municipal administrations and local partners,” says Christian Zimmermann, Director of Center Operations at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Germany.
Optimal infrastructural embedding
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield currently operates a total of 22 shopping centers in Germany, nine of which are in the Group’s own portfolio. Most of the centers are located in metropolitan regions in Germany and are optimally linked to the regional infrastructure via metro and bus stops directly in front of the doors. Sufficient parking spaces and multi-storey parking lots make it easy to reach the centers by car. Currently, the centers are operated in accordance with the respective state regulations. Since the beginning of the pandemic, URW has implemented a comprehensive protection and hygiene concept, which has been continuously adapted and expanded in the further course.
*Some locations are currently still under review.
