Incheon City Supports COVID-19 Testing Costs for Companies with 10 or More Employees

A citizen is getting tested for COVID-19 at a screening clinic. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City will support 50% of the diagnostic testing costs for companies to enable early detection of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and prevent its spread within the region.

The support targets workplaces with 10 or more employees located in Incheon. Upon application, designated medical institutions (such as Incheon Medical Center) will set the date, time, and place for on-site diagnostic testing.

For workplaces with fewer than 10 employees, if they experience periodic ventilation difficulties or if the distance between workers is less than 2 meters, they can apply in coordination with nearby workplaces.

The on-site diagnostic testing for companies plans to utilize the "pooling test method," which tests multiple specimens simultaneously. Pooling tests mix specimens from 5 asymptomatic individuals and test them at once; if the pooled group tests positive, a secondary individual test will be supported.

Since negative groups do not require retesting, multiple tests can be completed at once, enabling rapid testing.

Companies applying for diagnostic testing will receive support covering 50% of the pooling test costs. Companies must bear 50% of the testing cost per specimen, whether individual or pooled testing is conducted, so applying for diagnostic testing in units of 5 people will maximize the support received.

Applications for support can be submitted online or to the corporate support department of the relevant city or county where the company is located starting from the 22nd.

Kim Sangseop, Head of the Job and Economy Headquarters of Incheon City, stated, "We will actively support company pooling tests to prevent cluster infections of the novel coronavirus in companies and the resulting full closures."

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