Prosecutor System Reform: High-Risk Groups for PCR Testing Should Bring 'Supporting Documents'

ID required for those aged 60 and over... Close contacts must receive test notification text

Citizens are lining up at the temporary screening clinic in front of Seoul City Hall on the 3rd, following the change in COVID-19 testing methods.
Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Starting from the 3rd, the COVID-19 testing system has been significantly revamped, allowing only those designated as high-risk groups by health authorities and individuals who test positive on rapid antigen tests to receive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. However, even if one falls under these categories, they may not be able to undergo PCR testing without documentation proving their high-risk status. The required supporting documents for each designated high-risk group have been summarized.

First, if you are not classified as a high-risk individual, you must submit a sealed positive rapid antigen test kit or a doctor's note confirming the positive result in order to receive a PCR test after testing positive on a rapid antigen test.

Priority PCR testing without the need for prior rapid antigen testing is available for high-risk groups such as ▲elderly individuals aged 60 and above ▲epidemiologically linked persons ▲those with a doctor's note. Elderly individuals aged 60 or older only need to present an ID such as a resident registration card or driver's license. The age must be 60 or older based on the "full age" calculated from the birth year on the resident registration.

Epidemiologically linked persons include close contacts, individuals undergoing testing before release from quarantine, and overseas entrants. Close contacts must provide proof such as a notification text message indicating their designation as a testing subject to receive a PCR test. Those undergoing testing before quarantine release can be tested with a quarantine notice, close contact notification message, or quarantine order message. Overseas entrants need to present documentation verifying their status as overseas entrants, such as COVID-19 testing guidance messages after entry, quarantine control orders, or exemption certificates.

Regardless of rapid antigen test results, individuals suspected of having COVID-19 based on a doctor's opinion can also receive PCR testing. In this case, a doctor's note or hospital medical records can be used as proof.

Additionally, individuals related to infection-vulnerable facilities can submit supporting documents to receive PCR testing. Workers at high-risk facilities such as nursing hospitals and rehabilitation hospitals can undergo PCR testing by presenting a certificate of employment and an employee ID. Residents of foreigner protection facilities and correctional institutions can be tested with documents such as protection orders, hospitalization notices, or notification messages. Military personnel returning from leave can provide a leave pass, and patients requiring PCR testing before hospital admission can submit hospitalization-related documents as proof.

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