"Positive Result Kits for Sale"... Self-Diagnosis Kits Appear in Secondhand Market Amid PCR Test Shortage

A post selling self-test kits with positive results has been uploaded on an online secondhand trading site, causing controversy. Photo by Online Community Screenshot.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Controversy has arisen after a post appeared on an online secondhand trading site selling self-test kits that showed positive results. The problematic post has since been deleted.

On the 25th, posts selling positive self-diagnosis kits on the secondhand trading site 'Danggeun Market' have been spreading across various online communities.

According to photos shared through the community, the seller posted a message titled "Selling kits that tested positive," saying, "Get your PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test easily." The selling price was not set separately.

This appears to be due to changes in the criteria for receiving PCR tests starting earlier this month. Currently, ordinary citizens who do not belong to high-risk groups such as those aged 60 and over can only receive PCR tests if they test positive on self-test kits or rapid antigen tests.

If someone wants to get a PCR test despite a negative result, they must pay around 100,000 won out of pocket at a medical institution to receive the test.

Self-diagnostic kit. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Danggeun Market immediately deleted the post. A representative from Danggeun Market stated, "Medical devices such as COVID-19 self-test kits are prohibited items on Danggeun Market, so they are immediately subject to sanctions through AI machine learning technology and monitoring by operational staff."

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety also banned the online sale of self-test kits until the 5th of next month and urged people to purchase them at pharmacies and convenience stores.

Meanwhile, with the spread of the Omicron variant, the number of new COVID-19 cases is rapidly increasing daily. According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of midnight on this day, 165,890 new cases were reported, bringing the total to 2,665,077.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said at the COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office, "We estimate the peak of the Omicron wave to be around mid-March," adding, "Experts predict that the daily number of new cases at the peak will be around 250,000."

He continued, "Compared to other countries that have faced similar situations so far, South Korea is showing stable conditions in terms of the number of severe and critical patients, deaths, and hospital bed occupancy rates."

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