Free Testing for All Seoul Citizens... 56 Additional 'Temporary Screening Clinics' Established

Preventing Local Spread Through Early Detection of Asymptomatic Infections
Deployment of Military Medical Officers, Military Personnel, and Autonomous District Administrative Staff

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government will establish 56 temporary screening clinics where any citizen can receive free anonymous testing regardless of epidemiological links to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 13th, Seoul announced that in cooperation with each autonomous district, it will open 21 temporary screening clinics from the 14th at Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, Sadang Station, Tapgol Park, and other locations, allowing any citizen who wishes to be tested regardless of symptoms. The remaining 35 screening clinics will begin operation sequentially as preparations are completed.

Previously, testing at existing screening clinics was difficult if there was no epidemiological link based on the investigation of confirmed cases. However, going forward, any citizen who wishes to be tested can do so regardless of symptoms. Additionally, testing can be done anonymously by simply filling out a brief questionnaire.

At these screening clinics, in addition to the 'nasopharyngeal swab PCR' method, which involves inserting testing equipment into the nasal cavity to collect specimens and determine confirmation via PCR technique, 'saliva PCR tests' and 'rapid antigen tests' are also available.

Seoul prioritizes the nasopharyngeal swab PCR test, known as the most accurate testing method, but rapid antigen tests, which can provide results within 30 minutes, will be used on-site when quick confirmation is needed due to COVID-19 related symptoms. Saliva PCR tests, which are somewhat less accurate than nasopharyngeal swab PCR, will be applied only when nasal specimen collection is difficult.

Earlier, Seoul selected 56 locations for temporary screening clinics in collaboration with autonomous districts, utilizing major transfer subway stations with high foot traffic, parks that are not crowded and easily accessible, and public facility parking lots where operations were suspended due to strengthened social distancing measures.

Each screening clinic will be strictly managed by deploying at least two medical personnel (one military medical officer and one nurse) and five administrative staff (one officer-level manager, three military personnel, and at least one administrative support staff).

Seo Jeong-hyeop, Acting Mayor of Seoul, stated, "Only by early detection and isolation of asymptomatic infected individuals in the community through large-scale proactive testing can we manage the current third wave without greater damage." He urged, "If you are an asymptomatic carrier, you could cause irreversible harm to your closest family, friends, and colleagues, so please actively participate in testing."

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