"Increase in Diagnostic Tests by 3 Times Following Expansion of Case Definition for Novel Coronavirus" (Update)

by Kim Heungsoon

Published 08 Feb.2020 11:49(KST)

Medical staff are busy moving in the screening clinic for COVID-19 installed at the National Medical Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Since the expansion of diagnostic testing for the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) began on the 7th, the number of tests conducted has increased more than threefold compared to before.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on the 8th, the criteria for receiving novel coronavirus diagnostic tests were expanded starting the previous day, resulting in a more than threefold increase in the number of tests conducted.

The expanded testing criteria include ▲ people who show symptoms within 14 days after visiting China ▲ people who show symptoms within 14 days after close contact with confirmed patients ▲ people suspected of infection based on a doctor's opinion. Unlike before, testing can be conducted based on a doctor's opinion even if the person has visited countries where the novel coronavirus is spreading, not just China.

According to the expanded case definition, health authorities allowed testing at 124 public health centers starting the previous day. The number of tests, which averaged 200 per day, was expanded to up to 3,000.

Kim Kang-rip, Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), said, "We understand that there may be dissatisfaction among those who do not meet the testing criteria and therefore cannot get tested," but added, "Testing requires strict conditions such as genetic amplification testing equipment and specialized personnel, so there is a limit to the number of tests that can be conducted daily," asking for understanding.