Will Online Sales of Self-Test Kits Be Banned... Purchase Limits Per Person Also Considered
On the 10th, as the spread of COVID-19 continued, a self-test kit sold-out notice was posted at a pharmacy in downtown Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@
View original image[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The government is reportedly considering banning the online sale of COVID-19 self-test kits and limiting the purchase quantity per person.
On the 10th, according to the diagnostic industry and the Korea Pharmaceutical Association, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recently held a meeting with manufacturers of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits and discussed designating self-test kits as "public health emergency medical products" and implementing this measure for two weeks starting from the 13th.
Specifically, it is reported that they are considering banning the online sale of self-test kits, restricting sales to pharmacies and convenience stores only, and limiting the number of kits that can be purchased per person.
This measure is expected to be applied as early as the 13th, similar to the approach taken during the early COVID-19 mask shortage crisis.
Additionally, it is reported that there was discussion about distributing all self-test kits in packages of 20 or 25 units and temporarily allowing pharmacies to sell kits in smaller quantities. This aims to minimize the packaging process for manufacturers and meet the necessary supply volume.
A representative from the Korea Pharmaceutical Association stated, "We understand that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is preparing related manuals," adding, "The exact limit on the number of kits per person has not been finalized."
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In response, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said, "We are currently exploring various possible measures to ensure the smooth domestic supply of self-test kits," and added, "If any major new decisions regarding supply are made, we will officially provide detailed information to the public."
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