COVID-19 Testing at 124 Public Health Centers, Cost Support for Both Nationals and Foreigners (Update)

Noh Hong-in, Chief Officer of the Central Accident Response Headquarters (Director of the Health and Medical Policy Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare), is briefing on the results of the daily situation inspection meeting, including the expansion of support for diagnostic testing fees in response to the novel coronavirus infection, at the Government Sejong Complex in Sejong City on the morning of the 7th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] From the 7th, diagnostic testing for the novel coronavirus infection (novel corona) will be available at 124 public health centers. The number of private medical institutions where testing is possible is also expected to expand to around 100, and the government plans to cover the testing costs.

No Hong-in, the Chief Officer of the Central Accident Response Headquarters (Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare), stated at the regular briefing on this day, "Novel coronavirus testing is available at public health centers and medical institutions where screening clinics are installed," adding, "As of today, testing is possible at 124 public health centers." The public health centers where testing is available can be confirmed through the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and the Novel Coronavirus Infection Micro Page.

No, the Chief Officer, also said, "We plan to disclose about 100 private medical institutions where testing is possible," adding, "Since medical institutions need time to prepare and cooperation is required, we will disclose them after going through such processes."

The Central Accident Response Headquarters stated, "To ensure accurate testing, strict requirements such as equipment, skilled personnel, and infection prevention quality control must be met," and added, "Currently, the daily testing capacity is about 3,000 cases, but considering the demand for diagnostic testing and the extent of infection spread, we plan to continue expanding (testing institutions)."

The government plans to support diagnostic testing costs for confirmed patients or suspected cases. The amount is 80,000 KRW each for upper and lower respiratory tract tests, totaling 160,000 KRW, and testing fees will be supported regardless of nationality.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.