COVID-19, Detectable via Saliva or Simultaneously Tested with Influenza... Government "Considering Introduction" (Update)

COVID-19 Central Disease Control Headquarters Regular Briefing
"Introduction Possible After Approval Considering Domestic Outbreak Situation and Test Volume"
Simultaneous Testing Method for Influenza and COVID-19 Using One Specimen Also Under Review

At Seongnim Baptist Church in Gwangju Buk-gu Gakhwa-dong, where a COVID-19 cluster infection occurred, church members are undergoing diagnostic tests ahead of the end of their self-quarantine on the 6th.

[Asia Economy Reporters Choi Dae-yeol and Kim Heung-soon] On the 7th, quarantine authorities announced that they are reviewing a diagnostic testing method using saliva to determine COVID-19 infection status. Currently, the standard testing method is the real-time RT-PCR method (molecular diagnosis), which involves collecting specimens from the nose or throat and using diagnostic reagents (kits) and equipment. This new approach aims to facilitate easier testing.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a briefing, "In preparation for increased testing demand or situations where accurate specimen collection is difficult, we are conducting comparative and analytical tests using saliva samples. We are considering incorporating the results and, taking into account the epidemic situation and testing volume, are also reviewing testing methods using saliva."

The RT-PCR method is currently the approved testing method in many countries worldwide, including South Korea. While the sensitivity and specificity of the test results are reliable, it takes at least six hours from specimen collection to obtaining results, which is longer compared to other testing methods. Some countries, such as the United States, have allowed limited use of antigen and antibody tests, but these have lower reliability.

Head Jung said, "Besides PCR diagnostic tests, rapid antigen testing methods could also be considered for introduction," but added, "No products have been approved domestically yet, and due to significant false positives and false negatives, further accuracy verification is necessary."

They are also reviewing a testing method that can simultaneously detect influenza and COVID-19 using a single specimen via PCR. Since influenza is likely to spread in the fall and both infections share similar symptoms, distinguishing between the two is considered important to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak this fall.

The quarantine headquarters reported that if approval for such simultaneous diagnostic kits is granted, they are currently negotiating with the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Central Accident Response Headquarters regarding the timing of introduction and pricing to enable immediate use depending on the epidemic situation. While this would allow for more efficient testing, the cost may pose a challenge according to the authorities. Head Jung stated, "Some institutions are currently undergoing approval processes with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Once approved, we expect to be able to introduce simultaneous diagnostic kit testing."

On the 7th, citizens are waiting to get tested for COVID-19 at the screening clinic of Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

Cluster Infection of 5 People at Online Mountain Hiking Cafe Meeting
Severe and Critical Patients Increase Sixfold Compared to Two Weeks Ago

According to quarantine authorities, new cluster outbreaks were confirmed again today. Following the first confirmed case on the 3rd related to an online mountain hiking cafe meeting in the Seoul metropolitan area, four additional cases were identified, totaling five cluster infections. In Bucheon City, Gyeonggi Province, related to a family and Yujin Electric, the first case was confirmed on the 26th of last month, and through contact tracing, the cumulative number of cases has risen to 15. This includes 10 family members including the first patient and 5 colleagues and their families.

Regarding the second-largest cluster outbreak in the country at Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, one additional confirmed case was reported, bringing the total to 1,163. Related to the August 15th downtown Seoul rally, five more tested positive, increasing the total to 532. Additionally, the cumulative cases related to Bitgaon Church in Nowon-gu, Seoul, rose to 45, and those linked to BF Mobile Telemarketing Call Center in Gangdong-gu increased to 18. In Gwangju, following the first confirmed case on the 30th of last month at a restaurant in Malbau Market, Buk-gu, a total of 11 cluster infections have been identified.

Due to the high number of elderly patients, severe and critical cases have also increased compared to the past. Over the recent two weeks, the daily average number of severe and critical patients was 82.4, approximately six times higher than the 14.8 recorded in the previous two weeks (August 9?22). In the past two weeks, there were 25 deaths, with all but one having underlying health conditions. Additionally, analysis of viral gene sequences from 74 COVID-19 patient specimens collected in the last week of August confirmed all belonged to the GH group, according to quarantine authorities.

The GH group has been prevalent since the cluster outbreaks in Yecheon, Gyeongbuk, in April and May, and the Itaewon club outbreak. The same group was identified in the recent downtown Seoul rally, indoor sports facilities in Wonju, and a gathering in Sasang-gu, Busan. Head Jung explained, "Cell experiments show that this group replicates better and binds well to human cells, but it does not seem to significantly increase disease severity. However, the impact on human-to-human transmissibility still requires further observation based on current research results."

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