Gwangju Dong-gu to Transition COVID-19 Testing and Treatment System Starting from the 26th

Priority Testing Candidates for Genetic Testing (PCR). Photo by Gwangju Dong-gu Office Provided

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] Gwangju Dong-gu announced that, following the government's classification of the Gwangju-Jeonnam region as an Omicron-dominant area, it will apply and transition to a new testing and treatment system at the Dong-gu Public Health Center screening clinic starting from the 26th.

Dong-gu's position is to promptly diagnose high-risk groups with a high risk of severe illness and death while focusing on treatment.

From this day forward, genetic (PCR) testing at the screening clinic will be operated focusing on high-risk patient groups, while asymptomatic general citizens will receive free testing using self-test kits at a temporary screening clinic installed in front of the Dong-gu Office entrance.

PCR tests will only be conducted for those aged 60 and over, epidemiologically linked individuals (close contacts, before quarantine release, overseas entrants), subjects of preemptive testing in vulnerable facilities (workers in high-risk facilities such as nursing hospitals), rapid antigen test positives, and symptomatic individuals (with a doctor's note as proof). Others under 60 years old and those requiring a quarantine pass will undergo rapid antigen testing (self-test).

The rapid antigen test procedure involves identity verification and filling out a test application form, followed by specimen collection guided by public health center staff, then waiting about 15 to 30 minutes for the test results.

If the test result is positive, a PCR test must be taken immediately; if negative, the testing process ends.

Im Taek, Dong-gu Mayor, said, "With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, everyone's effort is crucial to protect the lives and safety of residents," adding, "We hope for active cooperation so that the new testing and treatment system responding to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant virus can function properly."

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