115 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed at Metropolitan Temporary Testing Sites via 'Anonymous Testing'... 10.2% of Local Cases

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] On the 25th, more than 100 additional confirmed cases were reported at temporary screening clinics operating in the Seoul metropolitan area to detect 'hidden infections' of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) early.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 26th, a total of 33,983 tests were conducted at temporary screening clinics in the metropolitan area on Christmas Day, with 115 people testing positive. This accounted for 10.2% of the 1,132 newly confirmed local cases that day.

Since the temporary screening clinics in the metropolitan area first opened on the 14th, the cumulative number of confirmed cases identified through these sites has reached 1,140.

By type of test, 32,957 cases underwent the 'nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test,' which uses specimens collected from inside the nose, accounting for about 97% of the total. Following that, 25 cases took the 'saliva specimen PCR test,' and 999 cases underwent the 'rapid antigen test,' which can provide results in as fast as 30 minutes.

The health authorities conduct a secondary nasopharyngeal swab PCR test if the rapid antigen test is positive; on the previous day, two secondary tests were performed.

With three additional sites added the day before, anonymous testing at temporary screening clinics is currently being conducted at 150 locations in the metropolitan area and will continue until January 3 of next year. Anyone can get tested by providing only their mobile phone number, regardless of symptoms.

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